February 24 marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our colleagues in Odesa have shared this comic by Olena Iliasova and Maria Apriatova, translated by Julia Manukyan. “War Diary” gives us a glimpse into daily life under siege, while two museum cats (Marisel and Panna Kota) work to keep Ukrainian cultural heritage safe by packing up treasures from the Bleshchunov House.
Do you dream of having an opportunity to work on your latest project in one of our sister Cities of Literature? Now is your opportunity to apply for a residency! Learn more below.
We invite a journalist or researcher from Seattle UNESCO City of Literature to spend 2-4 weeks exploring and writing about Reykjavík’s contemporary literary scene.
Applications are due before November 15, 2024.
What is Offered:
Reykjavík City of Literature will cover flights, accommodation at Gröndal’s House in downtown Reykjavík, and offer a per diem of up to 1,200 euros.
Who is eligible:
The program is open to established writers, editors, translators, poets, critics, literary professionals, journalists, and researchers with a connection to Seattle City of Literature.
Please complete the application form below and submit the required documents by November 15th, 2024.
All applicants should submit:
Extract from a published text (original language or English)
Biography/CV
Description of proposed research focus and publishing venue
The selected writer will be notified on December 15th, 2024.
What is Expected:
The selected individual will produce an ambitious article focusing on Reykjavík’s modern literary landscape. This may include emerging writers, established authors, booksellers, or publishers, as long as the focus remains on contemporary Icelandic literature.
The final piece must have a secured publishing venue and will be translated for publication in Iceland.
This initiative aims to generate in-depth journalism on Reykjavík’s current literary culture, beyond the Icelandic Sagas and medieval manuscripts. The goal is to establish an annual residency, inviting participants from various UNESCO Cities of Literature each year.
Bucheon City, South Korea
Bucheon City of Literature aims to increase international exchange and communication, contribute to the mobility of writers, translators and cartoonists by providing a new environment and an opportunity to present their work to Korean readers. Up to two applicants will be selected.
Applications are due by October 21, 2024.
Residency dates are November and December 2024.
What is Offered:
Round-trip flight tickets and rides from/to the airport
About 2-month stay at the Bucheon Residence
An opportunity to get engaged in the cultural scene of Bucheon and to be connected with the local community.
A contact person who is responsible for planning meetings and events and helps to engage in the local cultural life.
Who is Eligible:
The 2024 Bucheon Residency program is dedicated to all writers, poets, translators, graphic novelists having at least one published book working currently on creative writing.
What to Expect:
During the residency, the writer will spend 80% of their time working on their own project and 20% of their time participating in programs that are designed and personalized with enough talking with the Bucheon City of Literature Office.
• Fill in the application form available HERE
Required Documents:
Completed application form
Extract from a published text (in original language or English), no more than 2 pages in length.
Biography/CV
Recommendation letter
Application and required documents should be sent to : jsy97@korea.kr
What is Expected:
Connection with any UNESCO City of Literature outside of South Korea
A command of English or Korean for the purposes of communication
At least one published work (Literature, translation, comics, graphics, etc)
Interest in Korean culture and literature
Willingness to participate in the local literary life, including events, meetings, interviews and festivals.
Participating in at least one local literature event or exchange event in Korea
A text (work of fiction or non-fiction) that will feature the Bucheon City of Literature in some fashion or comic/illustrated book about living in Bucheon/Korea or Korean culture during the period of the 2024 Bucheon Residency; the text can be written in serials or submitted at a time, and the copyright of the work being submitted by the writer-in-residence belongs to Bucheon City, which will be used for promotional purposes.
* Bucheon City of Literature does not grant an entry visa to you. It is the applicant's responsibility to get visa for entry of Republic of Korea. Bucheon City of Literature will provide an official document to help visa-obtaining process if necessary.
At the UNESCO Creative Cities Conference in Braga, Portugal in July, delegates from 35 Creative Cities around the world identified “Bringing Youth to the Table” as a theme for our shared work. According to the (UNESCO) World Youth Report (2020), there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the global population. As they write, “Young people embody hope for better, innovative, and more effective solutions to the world’s challenges! UNESCO is working actively to ensure that their voices are heard because they matter.”
Here in Seattle’s City of Literature, young people are writing, reading, and organizing the way forward with creativity and courage. Here are just a few ways that young writers in Seattle have been leading the way for our literary community globally:
Charlotte (Lottie) Soliven
On August 12, 2024, the Creative Cities Network celebrated World Youth Day. Nottingham City of Literature convened young literary minds from around the world, hosting two online roundtable events featuring 17 young writers from 13 cities around the world. that brought together emerging artists from the global UNESCO Cities of Literature network. Participants shared their creative journeys, discussed ongoing projects, and exchanged insights with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Seattle was represented by Charlotte (Lottie) Soliven (she/her) (a high school Junior and a Seattle Youth Poetry Fellow).
“Everyone has that ability to be a storyteller”
● A need to tackle existing gaps in school literacy curricula—where certain writing styles, and a diversity of writers and contemporary literature are missing.
● The importance of building connections and networking, of staying in touch and taking creative inspiration from one another. More meetings with this international youth advisory group.
● Ensuring opportunities are shared widely and with people who would most benefit from them—including in cities' peripheries. Domino effect of one opportunity leading to many more opportunities.
● The importance of free spaces such as museums as centers of creativity.
● The idea that storytelling and writing is for everyone—and how we can empower people through words.
● How can we make getting into the creative industries less daunting for young people?
● Opportunities for young writers to share work with one another—feedback on each other's work, international anthology, virtual open mics, joint writing projects.
“I think that every single person in this world has a story to write, everyone has a story to tell”
Courtesy of Nottingham City of Literature
Another fantastic initiative of the Creative Cities Network was the “Letters to the Future” project, which included young writers from 11 Creative Cities to craft messages that speak directly to future generations. Check out this excerpt from Linus in Seattle, (courtesy of Nottingham City of Literature) and check out the link to read more letters from the young writers of the Creative Cities!
Toa Ghatak
This month, Seattle City of Literature is highlighting UNESCO Sustainable Development Goal #11: Making Cities Safe, Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive. We asked a young writer named Toa Ghatak, a 17 year old senior in high school, to share her her thoughts about the connection between literature and sustainable development goal (SDG) #11. Toa wrote a lovely lyric essay on the topic, which you can read on our website here!
“Literature and humanities must work in tandem with the focus on STEM in our world to be able to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. ”
Do you dream of having an opportunity to work on your latest project in one of our sister Cities of Literature? Now is your opportunity to apply for a residency! Learn more below.
A birds-eye view of Nanjing, China
The 2024 program is offering 6 residencies to writers, poets and translators from all UNESCO Cities of Literature, for a 2-week stay in Nanjing.
Applications are due before September 30, 2024.
Residency takes place from October 30 to November 15.
What is Offered:
2-week in-person residency in Nanjing City of Literature;
Tours to culture landmarks and literary places in Nanjing;
A selection of local literary activities;
Dialogue with Nanjing writers, poets, translators, literary organizations, and students;
The flight tickets, food, accommodation and local transport will be provided;
And stipend of 1200 USD for each writer-in-residency.
All applicants should submit:
CV with a passport photo and a life size photo;
Extracts from his/her published works;
Proof in writing of his/her connection with a City of Literature, when applicable.
Please send all the required materials to the following contacts prior to September 30, 2024.
Attention:
Danni Yang, Project Manager
Must be fluent in spoken English, or Chinese;
The final selection will be announced October 10, 2024.
Selected participants are supposed to:
Be connected to a UNESCO City of Literature (either a resident or one who works or studies in that city, or has other connections with that city as recognized in writing by a UNESCO City of Literature office)
Have at least three-year experience in writing, or at least one published work ( book in print, all genres acceptable), or have received awards that are recognized by your local literary communities.
Be willing to interact with Nanjing’s literary communities, emerging and established writers; as well as to partake in local literary activities;
Write a piece of work in English (no less than 1000 words, or 50 lines for poetry) that is inspired by the residency, or translate Chinese stories, poems or prose into
English; (All the virtual writers will retain the copyrights of their works. Please understand the works might be used for promotional purpose by Nanjing Literature Center)
Be fluent in spoken English, or Chinese
In order to promote literature in digital media, the Bremer Literaturhaus [virt.] e.V., with the support of the Senator for Culture, awards the Bremen Netzresidenz every two years as a three-month online scholarship at the virtual Literaturhaus Bremen.
• Applications Due By: Nov 30
• Only writers who have already been published by publishing house are eligible to apply.
Please send your project outline and a short CV to:
heike.mueller@literaturhaus-bremen.de
Deadline is November 30, 2024.
The focus of the scholarship will be on the creative and critical engagement with current digital media.
Emphasis is placed on the use of innovative literary or artistic methods. Digital literature projects that emphasize an open-minded exchange of literature will be supported. Authors from UNESCO Cities of Literature are particularly encouraged to apply with a project idea.
As part of the scholarship, the recipient will create their own project website. Following the period of residency, the scholarship holder will be invited to present their project at a literature festival event in Bremen.
Applicants should submit a short project outline (max. 1 DIN A4 page) that convincingly presents the idea and specific implementations of the project.
The scholarship is endowed with a one-off amount of 2.500.- €. An independent jury will decide on the award.
More information at https://www.literaturhaus-bremen.de/programm/bremer-netzresidenz-2024-25
Tartu University
Tartu City of Literature is offering a call for applications for a residency in November and December 2024. One writer will be selected.
Applications are due by September 25.
Residency dates are November and December 2024.
What is Offered:
• 2-month stay at the Karl Ristikivi residency apartment
• A scholarship of 600 euros per month
• Compensation of travel costs to and from Tartu up to 350 euros
• An opportunity to get engaged in the cultural scene of Tartu and to perform at different events, the interdisciplinary festival Crazy Tartu taking place from November 7th to 9th 2024.
A contact person who is responsible for planning performances, meetings and tours and helps to engage in the local literary life
• Fill in the online application form available HERE
• Please upload a sample (up to 5 pages) of a published text (in Estonian or English) or a sample of a published translation (from Estonian into another language) in the respective section of the form
• Upper intermediate level of spoken English.
• At least one published book (fiction or non-fiction), screenplay, theatre script or
translation from Estonian into another language by the applicant.
• Interest in Estonian culture and literature.
• Readiness to participate in the local literary life, including events, meetings,
interviews, and festivals.
• Literary work during the residency.
NB! We are looking for writers and translators who are currently not residents of Estonia.
Upper-intermediate level of spoken English.
The resident will be selected by a committee of 4 consisting of the representatives of the Estonian Literary Society (coordinating organisation of Tartu City of Literature), the Tartu Department of the Estonian Writers Union, the Estonian Literary Museum and the Karl Ristikivi Society.
Do you dream of having an opportunity to work on your latest project this fall in one of our sister Cities of Literature? Now is your opportunity to apply for a residency! Learn more below.
Toji Cultural Center, Wonju, South Korea
Wonju City of Literature is offering a chance for one writer from a City of Literature to come to Wonju and stay at Toji Cultural Centre for eight weeks in October and November 2024.
• Applications Due By: May 31
• Dates of Residency: September 1 through October 31
• Round-trip Air Ticket Provided
• Transportation on arrival and departure dates provided
• Organic meals are provided at the cafeteria of Toji Cultural Centre
1. Write about yourself
2. Write about your literary works, achievements, awards, etc
3. Write about your literary world
4. Write about why you would like to go to Wonju
Please note that those interested in the Residency have to write only MS-Word document of more than 1,000 words but not more than 2,000 words(in font size 11 to 12), reflecting all the subjects numbered above. Disproportionate emphasis on only one or two subjects is not encouraged. Balanced approach to each subject is highly recommended.
Please send your application only to wonjucityoflit@korea.kr no later than May 31.
Application not meeting 1,000 words or exceeding 2,000 words will result in a removal from the consideration. For fair assessment, additional portfolio and materials will not be accepted and they will not be considered. Applicants must have strong relationship to a City of Literature.
The residency opportunity does not roll over to the next year, so please check availability during residency dates before applying.
English is a must and applicants should possess the minimum command of B2 level for communication.
One final recipient for the Residency will be decided by an independent panel designated by Toji Cultural Centre. Final notification will be available to both the recipient and the coordinator before June 27.
There are no requirements whatsoever for a successful writer during his/her/their stay. The recipient should relax and engage in his/her/their creative activity as much and comfortably as possible in such a tranquil environment around Toji Cultural Centre during the Residency. Korean writers and artists will stay at Toji Cultural Centre during the same period, and the writer is highly recommended to form friendship with them during his/her/their stay. Approximately sixteen up to nineteen writers and artists from Korea and also outside of Korea will stay at Toji Cultural Centre from September 1 to October 31. Just like other writers and artists, the selected recipient should follow the rules of living established at Toji Cultural Centre.
Grondal’s House, Reykjavík, Iceland
In 2024 the Residency Program in Reykjavík will offer the writer a two-week stay in October 2024. The Program is dedicated to all emerging writers, and poets having at least one published book working currently on a writing. The Residency Program is a perfect opportunity to professionalize writing skills, find the optimal conditions for creative work, and present your own writing to a new audience.
Applications are due by June 14.
Residency dates are October 1 through October 14.
Reykjavík City of Literature will cover transportation costs to and from Reykjavík, and will offer a stipend of 650 euros.
Required documents listed below should be sent to: grondalshus@reykjavik.is with the subject: “International Residency Application” + "applicants full name and connected City of Literature"
Required documents:
Extract from a published text (in original language or English), no more than 2 pages in length.
Biography/CV
Optional: recommendation letter, letter of motivation
More information at: https://reykjavik.is/en/city-of-literature/residency
Applicant must have:
A connection with any UNESCO City of Literature outside of Iceland.
At least one published book (fiction or non-fiction), a poetry collection, screenplay or theatre script by the applicant.
Work on a literary project during the residency.
Upper-intermediate level of spoken English.
The selected applicant will be notified before the 1st of July 2024.
Corrala de Santiago, Granada, Spain
Granada UNESCO City of Literature and the University of Granada are hosting an international residency in November 2024 to foster contacts and connections between literary authors from Granada and those from different cities and countries of the world; to promote the internationalization of literary authors linked to Granada; to foster the internationalization of the cultural fabric of the city of Granada; and to promote Granada as a cultural city and a city that welcomes international creative talent.
Applications are due before June 20, 2024.
Residency takes place from November 4 to December 3, 2024.
Granada City of Literature Unesco will cover the travel expenses of each of the selected writers.
The University of Granada will cover the accommodation expenses of the two selected writers in single rooms and full board at its guest residence Corrala de Santiago.
Applications, duly completed, shall be submitted electronically, before June 20, 2024, to Granada Unesco City of Literature, Betty Hernández, talleres@granadaciudaddeliteraturaunesco.com
Application and more information: https://granadaciudaddeliteratura.com/en/granada-writers-in-residence-programme-2024/
Intermediate to advanced level of English or Spanish.
Criteria include:
-Have published at least two books (novel, essay, poetry, etc.), excluding self-publishing.
-Intermediate to advanced level of English or Spanish.
-Synopsis of the literary project you intend to develop during your stay in Granada.
It will be valued, although it is not compulsory:
-Knowledge of Spanish.
-Cultural and historical interest in the city of Granada.
-Excerpt from one of the author’s published books, translated into Spanish or English, with a minimum of 1500 words and a maximum of 3000.
-Letter(s) of recommendation.
The selected writers will be announced on July 24, 2024 on the Granada Unesco City of Literature website (www.granadaciudaddeliteratura.com).
Writers-in-residence must commit themselves to participate in activities related to the local literary system proposed by the Program.
Writers-in-residence will commit themselves to use the time of the residency to carry out their literary project, and may not carry out other public activities with other institutions, nor in other cities, without prior communication to those responsible for the Programme. Likewise, they will undertake to publicly disseminate (on social networks, etc.) their stay as international writers-in-residence in Granada.