Association Bylis Whispers – Byllion is an independent non-profit cultural organisation based in Hekal, southern Albania. Founded in 2025, it promotes culture, literature, heritage and community participation as drivers of sustainable rural development.

Inspired by the ancient city of Bylis and the surrounding landscape of Vjosa river, the association creates opportunities for exchange between local communities and international artists, writers, researchers and cultural practitioners. Its activities include the Bylis Community Library, an Artist in Residence programme, Humans of Bylis photography project, literary and cultural events, workshops and educational initiatives for children and young people.

Working with partners in Albania, the Netherlands and beyond, Bylis Whispers seeks to strengthen cultural life in rural areas while fostering international dialogue, artistic collaboration and a renewed sense of local ownership of cultural heritage.

Bylis Whispers Artist in Residence is an interdisciplinary residency programme based in the village of Hekal, nestled beneath the Archaeological Park of Bylis in southern Albania and within the wider landscape of the Vjosa River valley.

The residency welcomes artists, writers, photographers, musicians, performers, researchers and other cultural practitioners seeking time and space for artistic practice. It encourages artistic research, reflection and exchange, rather than production alone.

As part of the wider activities of the Association Bylis Whispers, residents are invited to engage with the community through an informal presentation, workshop, conversation or reading, while remaining free to develop their own creative practice. Residencies normally last between one and three weeks. Longer stays may be arranged depending on availability and project needs.