The main idea behind the “Literary Eastern Express” project is to build lasting intercultural bridges through literature. We aim to introduce Polish readers to writers who have so far been absent or underrepresented in the local publishing market. Our goal is to showcase the richness of contemporary Ukrainian culture and to incorporate it into the broader European debate on identity, history, and current social challenges.

An important element of the project is also to provide Ukrainian refugees with access to contemporary literature and to actively promote it within these communities. Another key aspect is highlighting the role of the translator as a vital “second author,” in line with literary theory.

The detailed objectives of the project include:

• Promoting multiculturalism and the richness of Ukrainian culture through the translation and publication of books by Ukrainian authors.
• Disseminating knowledge about Ukrainian spiritual culture, literature, and art as an important component for Polish society and the EU.
• Encouraging reading and exploration of Eastern European literature, culture, and art through publications in both traditional (printed books) and modern formats (e-books and audiobooks).
• Providing wider access in Poland to high-quality literary works by Ukrainian authors.
• Building intercultural bridges and promoting intercultural dialogue by presenting Ukrainian literature not previously published in Poland.
• Raising public awareness of the cultural, literary, and artistic situation in Eastern Europe through active promotion of Ukrainian works and authors.
• Supporting Ukrainian authors by promoting their work internationally.
• Inspiring reflection on contemporary realities and social challenges in Eastern Europe through literature.

Within the “Literary Eastern Express” project, prose, poetry, children’s and young adult literature, as well as comics are published. Poetry is issued in a bilingual format—Polish and Ukrainian—allowing readers to engage with the original language while also benefiting from translation. Some titles are also available in digital formats as e-books, and selected works additionally as audiobooks.

Books published as part of the project are distributed through bookstores and libraries, and promoted at book fairs in Poland and abroad. They are accompanied by author events featuring writers and translators, as well as coverage in both industry-specific and national media. These activities aim to strengthen the international circulation of Ukrainian literature and increase its visibility in the public sphere.

The project is co-funded by the European Union under the “Creative Europe” programme.

Grant amount: EUR 155,345
Total project budget: EUR 258,909
Project duration: October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2026