Culture and literature in times of war

War is not only about defending borders and front lines. It is also about defending the democratic core of a country. The Norwegian Helsinki Committee believes that authors play a special role in this struggle, because they do far more than write books: 

• They defend freedom of expression. 

• They preserve language, culture, and memory. 

• They help society understand itself – and the war. 

• And they tell the truth. 

Art and literature make it possible to see what facts alone cannot show. They help us understand ourselves, recognise others, and articulate experiences that are otherwise impossible to convey. In wartime, they become tools for reflection, resilience, and healing. 

The author scholarship programme 

As part of the Nansen‑project, and in close cooperation with PEN Ukraine, the Norwegian Non‑Fiction Writers and Translators Association (NFFO), and the Norwegian Authors’ Union (DNF), we provide 20 annual scholarships to Ukrainian authors of fiction and non‑fiction throughout the project period. 

These scholarships enable writers to continue working under difficult conditions and ensure that stories of war, resistance, loss, hope, and everyday life are recorded and shared. By the end of the project, this support is expected to result in 60 published books related to the war. 

Other support 

In addition to the scholarship programme, our small‑grants scheme supports local organisations working on cultural awareness and memory practices.