Ivan Štrpka returns to Villa Decius – a place you want to come back to 09.10.2025
For centuries, Villa Decius has been a meeting place for artists and writers from all over the world – a space for work, inspiration, reflection, and dialogue. It remains one of the most remarkable cultural venues in Central Europe, where creativity meets tradition.
In recent days, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Ivan Štrpka – a distinguished Slovak poet, essayist, translator, and lyricist. Ivan Štrpka was a Villa Decius Resident in 2014 as part of the Visegrad Literary Residency Program. This time, he visited us on his way to the Lviv Book Forum (Publishers’ Forum), one of the most important literary events in the region.
During his visit, Ivan spoke about the value of artistic residencies – spaces that allow creators to work in peace, meet other writers, and engage in intercultural exchange. “Residencies,” he said, “are places where you can slow down, concentrate, and reconnect with the essence of writing.”
We are deeply honored that former residents continue to return to Villa Decius, bringing with them memories, new stories, and creative energy. Their presence reminds us that Villa Decius remains a living, inspiring space for dialogue between cultures.
For more than two decades, the Villa Decius Association has been running international residency programs supporting literature, translation, and intercultural cooperation. Villa Decius continues to be a home for artists from Poland, Europe, and beyond – a place where creativity, history, and human connection come together.
During his visit, Ivan spoke about the value of artistic residencies – spaces that allow creators to work in peace, meet other writers, and engage in intercultural exchange. “Residencies,” he said, “are places where you can slow down, concentrate, and reconnect with the essence of writing.”
We are deeply honored that former residents continue to return to Villa Decius, bringing with them memories, new stories, and creative energy. Their presence reminds us that Villa Decius remains a living, inspiring space for dialogue between cultures.
For more than two decades, the Villa Decius Association has been running international residency programs supporting literature, translation, and intercultural cooperation. Villa Decius continues to be a home for artists from Poland, Europe, and beyond – a place where creativity, history, and human connection come together.