This year, we are thrilled to collaborate with UNESCO Cities of Literature in Bucheon, Jakarta, Lviv, and Odessa to bring together literary professionals for a unique opportunity to learn, share expertise, spark collaborations, and build international networks. Together, we will deliver a series of online exchanges between September and December 2025, culminating in a global online symposium in January 2026.

This year’s ILX will convene up to 30 professionals working with books, words and literature, to explore the urgent challenges and emerging opportunities shaping the contemporary literary landscape.

We invite expressions of interest from all those who work in and with words, books, and literature.

Some of the literature professionals we hope to hear from include:

• Activists
• Agents
• Civic
• Community leaders
• Educators
• Entrepreneurs
• Freelancers
• Literature Houses
• Networkers
• Practitioners
• Producers
• Publishers
• Thinkers

This is by no means an exhaustive list — if your work involves literature in any form, we encourage you to get in touch.

Please note: We are only able to select writers who also hold another role within the wider literature ecosystem.

To participate in ILX, you must live and/or work in one of the following countries:

• Indonesia
• Ireland
• South Korea
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom

You must also be fluent and comfortable communicating in English. All sessions and activities will be conducted in English. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide interpretation or translation services.

We are committed to making ILX as accessible as possible. Live captioning will be available in all online events. Please get in touch with us if you have a query about access.

Partnership focus

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate both the capacity and enthusiasm to develop new partnerships and engage in international collaboration and exchange.

Professional experience

We aim to bring together a diverse group representing a broad spectrum of roles across the literature sector.

Employment balance

We will ensure a mix of participants from both organisations and independent freelance professionals.

Access to opportunities

Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received extensive support through British Council programmes.

Jakarta

On November 8, 2021, Jakarta was chosen as a Creative City of Literature, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) international network. Jakarta is the home of Indonesia’s creative industry and is recognised as a major creative centre for the publishing industry in the country. With a number of annual literary festivals, the city serves as the hub of Indonesia’s literary scene and boasts the most productive publishing industry in southeast Asia. 

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Bucheon

The Bucheon UNESCO City of Literature Office operates within the Cultural Policy Division of Bucheon City Municipality. Guided by the belief that literature has the power to enrich lives and foster connection, the office develops creative cultural infrastructure and promotes global literary exchange. Key initiatives include the Bucheon Diaspora Literary Award, international forums, the Bucheon Residency for writers and translators, and the Storytelling Academy, which nurtures professional talent for the creative content industry. Through community engagement, international collaboration, and support for literary professionals, Bucheon continues to grow as a dynamic and inclusive literary city.

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Lviv

Lviv is famous as the location of the first Ukrainian printing press, back in 1547, and more recently it became home to the Publishers Forum, Ukraine’s first ever book festival.  Lviv – UNESCO City of Literature Office was created in 2016 and is based in Hnat Khotkevych Lviv Palace of Culture. The office is a team of cultural managers responsible for the promotional and project support of the UNESCO City of Literature title at the local, national and international levels.  

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Odessa

Odessa joined as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2019, thanks to its rich literary history and lively modern scene. This important Black Sea port has always been a hub for diverse cultures, bringing forth writers like Isaac Babel, Ilya Ilf, Vladimir Zhabotinsky and Jacques Bergier. Its European feel shows in beautiful architecture, a famous opera house, museums, and libraries. Odessa is the historic capital of humour. It hosts the nation’s first Film Studio. Today, as a key cultural city, Odessa upholds human rights, free speech, and conscience. Especially now, it’s vital in resisting Russian aggression; words here spread truth, defend dignity, and build strength against injustice. 

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