Literature forums Meridian

In Brief

About the project

The literary forums in Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhya respond to the urgent need of civil society for community, dialogue and cultural understanding. They include readings and discussions with Ukrainian intellectuals and writers, as well as programmes for children and young people, and for military personnel on the front line.
The literary forums revitalise local cultural life, provide a platform for cultural life and exchange, and thus contribute to a stronger sense of community in Ukraine. The forums provide a space for discussion and dialogue about challenges and opportunities, leading to a better understanding and constructive engagement with current and future problems.
The direct involvement of writers, intellectuals and artists strengthens civil society initiatives and increases the visibility of culture. It also gives impetus to the social and cultural reconstruction of Ukraine. The forums act as catalysts for new ideas and initiatives that contribute to sustainable stabilisation and improvement.

Why we are running this project?

The Russian attackers are deliberately bombing cultural heritage monuments and cultural infrastructure facilities in Ukraine, such as museums and printing works. In the period from 02/2022 to 03/2024 alone, around 1050 monuments and around 2000 cultural institutions were destroyed.

What is our goal?

Cultural events are sorely missed in the country, as they are important and rare places of encounter, exchange and identification with Ukrainian culture. ‘People who live in war want to know that they have culture, that they are culture,’ says Ukrainian writer Jurko Prochasko.

How does the project work?

We support the MERIDIAN CZERNOWITZ International Literature Co-operation in giving Ukrainian artists the opportunity to work and create under these adverse circumstances. MERIDIAN has a large network of literary centres and other institutions that offer space for this.