Since 2015, the Västra Götaland region has offered writers and translators from Sweden and the world time and space for artistic development through its so-called residency programs and sanctuary programs.
The region is now providing more places within is now being expanded with extra places within the AIR Literature residency program for active journalists, editors and publishers, who in some cases may need to live under anonymity.
- Free speech is important for our culture and also how it interacts with other cultures.
We are not an island in the world.
It is also important for 144 million people in Russia, says Daniel Andersson (L), who is vice chairman of the Västra Götaland region's culture committee.
And from the invaded Ukraine, they hope through collaborations to get an entire editorial staff and let it continue its activities here.
- We want to show solidarity with the cultural life in Ukraine and with the opposition voices in Russia.
The invasion of Ukraine has put the issue of freedom of expression at the forefront, writers and journalists who make their voices heard in Russia are protesting with life as an effort, says Conny Brännberg (KD), chairman of the Västra Götaland region's cultural committee.
The decision is made by the Västragötaland region's cultural committee.