Elsewhere on Ulster
Kyiv-based filmmaker, Anastasiiya Gruba, takes up 6-week residency in Belfast.
British Council launches international artist residency programme for those affected by war and conflict
New UK wide initiative will provide vital support and creative sanctuary for nine artists from conflict-affected regions
Ulster Presents is pleased to partner with British Council in welcoming Ukrainian filmmaker, Anastasiiya Gruba, to Belfast from Kyiv, to take part in a 6-week artist residency in partnership with Belfast Film Festival.
The British Council, in partnership with Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Wales/Wales Arts International, today announced the launch of a major new residency programme designed to support artists and cultural professionals whose work has been impacted by war and conflict.
The programme will see nine artists and cultural professionals from Lebanon, Yemen, Palestine, and Ukraine undertake residencies at leading cultural institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Anastasiya Gruba is a Ukrainian screenwriter and director from Kyiv. She graduated from the Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Karyi University of Theatre, Cinema and Television with a degree in Film and Television Dramaturgy. Since 2017, she has been a member of the NGO CUC. She is the screenwriter and co-writer of several Ukrainian feature films, documentaries, and television series. She is also a participant in the European Short Pitch, Munich Film Up, and Global Media Makers LA Residency programs. Her feature film project was presented at the Ukraine in Focus pitching session during the Marché du Film 2023 and at the Baltic Event Co- Production Market in 2024. Her debut short film Driving Lessons premiered at PÖFF Shorts 2024 and was nominated by the Ukrainian Film Academy for Best Short Film of the Year at he Golden Dzyga Awards 2025.
This residency initiative builds upon a successful pilot project held in Scotland in 2023 during the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture, which was delivered by the British Council in partnership with Creative Scotland and Ukrainian Institute.
The programme aims to provide creative practitioners from countries affected by war and conflict with essential quiet time, care, and connections within the UK cultural sector. This support is designed not only to nurture their individual practice and build their networks, but also to strengthen the communities they work with in their home countries.
Host organisations participating in the programme include Ulster University/Belfast Film Festival (Northern Ireland); Llenyddiaeth Cymru | Literature Wales (Wales); Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (Scotland); Cove Park (Scotland); Moniack Mhor (Scotland); Pier Arts Centre (Orkney Island, Scotland); Delfina Foundation (England); ACME Studios (England); and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (England).
The programme also offers host organisations a valuable opportunity to expand their understanding of new cultural contexts, demonstrate solidarity with fellow artists, and develop expertise in supporting colleagues working under extremely challenging conditions. It also helps connect participants to the wider arts sector, offering fresh insights that can spark new collaborations - benefiting not only the individuals involved but also enriching the host institutions and the sector more broadly.
This initiative reflects the British Council's commitment to supporting international cultural exchange and providing support for artists whose creative work continues despite the pressures of conflict and displacement.
Ruth Mackenzie, Director of Arts at the British Council said:
"This residency programme recognises that supporting these artists and creatives is about building bridges across our global arts community and contributing to peace and prosperity. Just as the British Council was established in 1934 to support artists and creatives in countries across the world in the face of political danger, we continue this mission today. This programme provides space for artistic practice while strengthening the communities these artists support and nourish in their home countries."
Cian Smyth, Ulster Presents Programme Manager at Ulster University said:
"Ulster Presents at Ulster University is excited to have the support of British Council to collaborate with Belfast Film Festival in hosting one of Ukraine’s talented new voices in film - Anastasiiya Gruba. Ukrainian cinema is one of the great contributors to World Cinema with a long history of innovations in film culture. Our work with Belfast Film Festival also has a long history of engaging with Irish filmmakers and storytellers about our own experience of conflict in Northern Ireland. This residency opportunity offers all of us an opportunity to share learnings about how storytelling through film contributes to communities overcoming experiences of conflict and providing Anastasiiya some much needed breathing space beyond Ukraine’s current circumstances to develop new work."
