PEN Català is organizing two international residencies from July 8 to 28, 2025, as part of the International Literary Residencies at Vil·la Joana, an initiative of the Barcelona City Council within the framework of the Barcelona City of Literature programme.

This year’s edition is primarily aimed at promoting the mobility of refugee writers in Europe by offering them a space for creative work, the opportunity to connect with the Catalan literary scene, and to take part in a meaningful cultural exchange.

Ten applications were submitted by refugee writers from Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Russia, Syria, and other countries. From among them, two writers have been selected:

  • – Olga Bubich, a Belarusian essayist and researcher currently living in exile in Berlin (Germany).
  • – Mehdi Mousavi, an Iranian writer and poet residing in Lillehammer (Norway), who holds dual nationality.

The jury was composed of Laura Huerga, president of PEN Català; Marta Nin, head of the Writers in Prison Committee; and Miquel Àngel Llauger, board member of PEN Català.

PEN Català warmly congratulates the selected writers and sincerely thanks all the applicants for their interest and trust in this call.