Bridging the gap 

The project aims to ensure meaningful exchange, and highlights literature as a vital tool for dialogue, reflection, and cultural preservation in challenging times. 

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine prompted the creation of Closer Together, a project led by six UNESCO Cities of Literature to expand cultural exchange across borders, using literature as a tool for dialogue and democratic exchange. The initiative unites Gothenburg, Lviv, Vilnius, Odessa, Kraków, and Wrocław. It focuses on building sustainable partnerships by working with existing festivals, book fairs, and literary networks rather than creating entirely new structures. Closer Together promotes translation and exchange, while also supporting projects that explore Jewish literature and cultural heritage, creating opportunities for shared learning, dialogue, and cultural preservation. Despite their geographical proximity, these cities have had limited literary collaboration. Closer Together bridges this gap, encouraging literary engagement and cooperation across the region. 

The literary voices of Ukraine 

A focus is to highlight Ukraine’s literary voices and experiences. Working with Lviv and Odessa as partner cities, Closer Together shows how literature can document life during conflict, support cultural continuity, and connect audiences with perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. Translation and author mobility are central tools in this process, linking Ukrainian writers with regional networks and fostering broader understanding. 

Artur Dron visits Gothenburg 

Ukrainian poet and journalist Artur Dron is among the first authors to participate. After volunteering for military service in 2022, he began composing poetry from the front lines. We Were Here provides an intimate account of war, resilience, and human experience.  

“This is my first literary trip abroad. I have no experience presenting my book in another country, so it means a lot to do it first in Sweden, and later in Norway, where my book was first translated. I’m grateful to everyone spending an evening with us—reading poetry, discussing Ukraine, and supporting each other in these difficult times,” says Dron. 

Born in 2000 in Voskresyntsi, western Ukraine, Dron lives in Lviv, where he studied journalism. He debuted in 2020 with the poetry collection Hurtozjytok No6 and volunteered for military service in 2022. We Were Here is translated into Swedish by Mikael Nydahl, who will also moderate the readings and discussions during Dron’s visit. 

Literature and Agenda 2030

For Gothenburg as a UNESCO City of Literature, the project aligns with its strategic commitment to literature as part of sustainable developmen in urban and regional areas, in line with Unesco's Agenda 2030 goals. Coordinated by the Gothenburg House of Literature together with Writers’ Centre West, The Jewish Salon, and other key network members, the initiative is funded by Region Västra Götaland with additional support from the City of Gothenburg, particularly directed towards preserving cultural heritage.