Switzerland | Jan Michalski Foundation literature residencies call

The Jan Michalski Foundation is inviting applications for its fourth annual writers’ residency program. The residencies take place at the foot of Switzerland’s Jura Mountains and the selected writers each live and work in modern treehouses.

Writers from around the world are invited to apply, and applications from new or emerging writers are welcome. In 2020, a percentage of the residences will be dedicated to nature writing; fiction or creative non-fiction that raises awareness of nature, prepares for a sustainable way of living, and helps to better understand socio-environmental interconnections and the impact of human actions on nature.

Residencies can run from between two weeks and six months, and the length of stay should match the scope of the project.

As well as receiving accommodation in their own treehouse, residents will be paid a monthly allowance of 1200 Swiss Francs (approximately US$1200). Travel expenses will also be covered by the foundation and daily breakfasts and lunches are provided. Residents can also participate in cultural activities organised by the Foundation.

There are no age or nationality restrictions. Applications will be assessed on three criteria:

the quality of the project
the candidate’s professional background
whether or not the duration of the stay matches the scope of the project.

Applications from new writers are welcomed and will be assessed based on the quality of the project and the motivation they are able to convey in their application.

Applications close on Sunday 15 September. The successful writers will be announced in November and the first residencies will begin in February 2020.