On February 4-5, 2025, the Volyn Foundation participated in a strategic session in Lutsk, aimed at transforming the city into a hub of literary life of international significance. The event was organized in collaboration with Lutsk City Council, the “Algorithm of Actions” Platform, and the “Frontera” Literary Platform, with special thanks to Ella Yatsuta and Anna Yekimenko-Polishchuk. It gathered stakeholders from various fields — libraries, education, culture, media, business, and more — to discuss ways in which literature can act as a driver for the city’s development.

The session explored the current state of Lutsk’s literary sector and identified key opportunities for its growth. Among the most notable findings were the city’s strong literary heritage linked to prominent figures such as Olena Pchilka, Oksana Zabuzhko, Olha Olkhova, the Pokalchuk family, and the Korobchuk family. Lutsk also holds successful initiatives like the “City of Inspiration” Literary Residency, the International Literary Festival “Frontera,” and the literary scene of “Bandershtat.”

The “City of Inspiration” has been particularly productive, resulting in the publication of the anthology “The Tower through [O]” which features works by contemporary Ukrainian authors. Additionally, Lutsk is home to the annual literary awards named after Ivan Korsak and Ahatanhel Krymsky, further strengthening its position as a literary center. These events, along with an established network of over 25 libraries and cultural institutions, have created a fertile ground for literary development.

However, participants also acknowledged several challenges to overcome, such as limited funding, outdated methods of engaging readers, and the lack of competitive publishing infrastructure. To address these challenges, the session generated a range of ideas, including ensuring barrier-free access to literary products, launching programs for young authors, literary schools, and literary events incorporating virtual reality.

The session was a vital first step toward creating a comprehensive strategy for Lutsk’s literary future. Key actions discussed include the creation of literary tours, brand strategies for promoting the city as a “City of Literature,” and the development of cultural diplomacy projects through international literary festivals and cross-sector collaborations.

The Volyn Foundation is committed to supporting these efforts, continuing to promote literature as a catalyst for positive change and resource development in Lutsk, and ensuring the city’s position as a center for literary activity with international significance.