The seventh annual ICORN workshop at Biskops Arnö Folk High School in Sweden
Designed for writers, artists, and journalists currently or formerly in ICORN residency in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, the 2026 Biskops Arnö Workshop took place from 28 to 31 July.
Participants in this year’s three-day event included Syrian poet and writer Raafat Hekmat, formerly an ICORN resident in Stockholm; Bangladeshi journalist, writer, and human rights activist Pranto Palash, currently an ICORN resident in Gothenburg; Bangladeshi blogger and human rights activist Liakat Hossain Limon and Mukta Moni, currently ICORN residents in Sandviken; Iranian poet and artist Farzaneh Moradi, the current ICORN resident in Stockholm; Kurdish writer and journalist Xebat Rasouli, a former ICORN resident in Asker, Norway; Bangladeshi blogger and political activist Paplu, currently an ICORN resident in Levanger, Norway; and Tahmasbi Khorasani, a poet, author, and researcher from Balkh who is currently an ICORN resident in Stavanger, Norway.
The staff present were Klas Grinell, the Swedish National ICORN Coordinator, and Håkan Tegnestål from Biskops Arnö.
On the first day of the workshop, participants arrived at Biskops Arnö on the afternoon of Tuesday, 28 July. They were given a tour of the island led by Håkan Tegnestål, followed by a communal dinner and introductions from all participants.
On Wednesday, 29 July, the day began with a workshop led by Raafat Hekmat, focusing on writing, editing, and listening across languages. The session explored the value of linguistic plurality as an asset rather than a hindrance. After lunch, participants took part in a range of outdoor activities, including canoeing and a forest hike. The afternoon concluded with a presentation on the Swedish literary landscape delivered by Klas Grinell. The evening featured dinner and opportunities for informal socialising.
Thursday, 30 July, began with a continuation of Raafat Hekmat’s workshop. Following lunch, Håkan Tegnestål delivered a presentation on Biskops Arnö, explaining the role of folk high schools in Sweden and the educational philosophy behind them. In the evening, participants gathered for an open mic session, where each person shared excerpts from their work.
On the final day of the workshop, following breakfast, Håkan Tegnestål presented a summary of the three days spent at Biskops Arnö. The workshop then concluded with the participants’ departure from the folk high school and their journeys home.
