‘The opportunity to connect with other writers from diverse backgrounds was invaluable’: The 2024 Biskops Arnö Writing Workshop

Over four summer days, Biskops Arnö welcomed twelve writers currently or formerly in ICORN residence in Sweden, Norway, or Denmark. Among the participants in the 2024 edition of the Biskops Arnö writing workshop were Raafat Hekmat, Ola Housamo, Sayed Elyas Zahin, Hêlan Çiya, Azhar Al-Rubaie, Aslı Ceren Aslan, Asia Gaboush, Muntaha Alshahwani, Ashraf Bagheri, and Meryem Sultan.

In the calm of the island of Biskops Arnö, the writers engaged in a variety of workshops, lectures, social and outdoor activities. With the aim to provide space and inspiration to write and make new professional and personal connections, the writers were encouraged to share and discuss their work.

One of the participants, a writer from Bangladesh who is currently in ICORN residence in Copenhagen, shared his experience of attending the Biskops Arnö writing workshop:  

‘My experience in Biskop Arno was truly memorable.

The journey itself was a delight—I thoroughly enjoyed the train ride from Copenhagen to Stockholm, followed by the bus journey from Stockholm to Biskop Arno.

One of the highlights of my time there was the creative workshop led by former ICORN resident Ola Husamou. During the workshop, we, the participants, shared positive things about each other. This was an incredibly uplifting experience for me, as I heard kind words about myself that I had never heard before. This part of the workshop significantly boosted my self-esteem.

Another memorable moment was when I painted for the first time in my life. I attempted to depict the uprising in my country against the dictator Sheikh Hasina. We also decorated face masks, letting our imaginations run wild. It was a powerful and creative expression for all of us.

While in Biskop Arno, I also had the opportunity to read a short story I had written called "The Bindi" in English. The other participants seemed to enjoy my story, and I received wonderful feedback. This encouragement made me feel good about my work, and I truly appreciated the reading session where I could also listen to others share their literary creations.

Outside of the workshop, I had a fantastic time with some of the other participants canoeing on the lake. We enjoyed ourselves immensely—chatting, listening to music, and capturing the beauty of nature in photographs while floating in the middle of the lake. It was a moment of pure joy and camaraderie.

One day, I even ventured a bit deeper into the forest on my own, which was thrilling and a bit adventurous.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Biskop Arno. The experience was enriching, both creatively and personally.’

Biskops Arnö Nordens Folkhögskola is renowned for its Nordic writing school, offering programmes in a variety of languages and facilitating the transfer of experiences and knowledge between people from different backgrounds.

The workshop for writers in the ICORN was designed and organised in collaboration between Kajsa Sundin, a teacher at Biskops Arnö, Mats Lundborg, the Principal of Biskops Arnö, and Nadja Ali, the National ICORN Coordinator in Sweden.

Giving his reflections on his time at Biskops Arnö, writer Raafat Hekmat shared:

‘My first experience at Biskops Arnö was incredibly enriching…The writing workshop provided a unique environment that fostered creativity and collaboration. The picturesque surroundings and the supportive community of writers made it an unforgettable experience.

I found the sessions to be insightful, and they significantly enhanced my writing skills. The opportunity to connect with other writers from diverse backgrounds was also invaluable, as it broadened my perspective and inspired new ideas.’

Beginning on the evening of Tuesday, 30 July, the Biskops Arnö workshop began with presentations about by the writers and readings and performances by Sayed Elyas Zahin, Meryem Sultan, Aslı Ceren Aslan. On Wednesday, the participants took part in a whole day workshop designed and led by writer, musician, and performer Ola Housamo, who was in ICORN residence in Eskilstuna between 2019 and 2021. In the evening, there was time for social activities and readings by Azhar Al-Rubaie, Hêlan Çiya, Ashraf Bagheri, among others.

The programme on Thursday 1 August included time for individual, a lecture by writer and poet Khashayar Naderehvandi, readings by Raafat Hekmat, Muntaha Alshahwani, and Ashraf Bagheri as well as a group canoeing session in the lake surrounding the island.

On the last day of the workshop, the writers attended a session with information on professional membership organisations, such as the Swedish Writers’ Union and Swedish PEN.

A first-time attendee, writer, linguist, and singer Meryem Sultan shared her impressions of Biskops Arnö:

‘I met with artists and writers from different parts of the world, especially from regions that are on the agenda for human rights violations. We spent a few days in nature, only focusing on ourselves and the art we are working on. I felt like I was living in a smaller and more peaceful version of the world…

We shared different stories from different backgrounds. This is both inspiring and empowering for me. It helps me look at myself and the world from different perspectives. I experienced that humanity has the potential to build a war-free, peaceful and conflict-free living space when it can show the patience to listen to each other's feelings, thoughts, and needs. We listened to and told the story of how selfishness and prejudice, which should not be underestimated, have traumatic consequences in societies and lead to wars. I saw how art brings people together in common feelings despite differences in language, religion, and race.’

You can find out more about Biskops Arnö here and read articles on previous workshops for writers in the ICORN network on our website.

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