Ljubljana, a UNESCO City of Literature since 2015, offers two one-month residencies for writers at the Švicarija/Swisshouse Creative Centre, which is part of the International Centre of Graphic Arts.

WHEN
May and November 2022 (one month per residency/applicant).

WHO
The residency is aimed at foreign published writers with a palpable, factual relation with any of the other UNESCO Cities of Literature that has to be apparent and described as part of the application. This means the applicant was or has been living in one of the other 41 cities of literature or is related to a city of literature through work. The full list of the cities of literature can be found here.

The applicant must have published at least one book of fiction (be it prose, poetry or drama) in their language. There are no restrictions regarding age, race, gender or nationality. Though writers of all genres are currently welcome to apply, a specific focus might be chosen for calls in the following years.

WHAT WE OFFER
Each resident will get a sum amount of the grant and travel expenses of €1000 gross in total (details regarding potential wire-transfer charges and other expenses can be found in the contract). Each resident will stay in their own, separate and fully equipped apartment with a kitchenette at Švicarija/Swisshouse, along with other artists-residents, artists, and exhibitions.

Local public transportation costs will be covered. Access to the Internet will be provided. Through targeted activities and networking possibilities, suited to each resident’s profile, the organisers will help them get to know the vibrant art and literary scene in Ljubljana. Opportunities for public presentation of the residents’ work will be made possible, as well as meetings with translators, if necessary and/or applicable. During the resident’s stay, some group activities, such as meetings with the organiser, publishers etc., may be scheduled. Residents are required to take care of medical insurance and are responsible for their meals and household. Additional guests cannot be hosted.

WHAT WE EXPECT
The resident is encouraged to show an interest, and partake, in local literary events and other related activities—which will be coordinated according to other local events as well as the needs and interests of the given resident—however, at least one public performance (e.g., a reading of the piece, completed at the residency) is expected. Unless agreed otherwise, there are no additional honoraria for these activities.

LOCATION
Švicarija/Swisshouse Creative Centre is a cultural, educational and social hub located in the heart of Ljubljana’s central park—situated just a few steps from the city centre—which offers public programmes, studio facilities for local artists, and residencies for international artists and experts. Given the current situation, the house may be more empty than usual, which could make the place a bit more suitable for people that seek quiet time for writing.

Švicarija is part of MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, a specialised museum, producer of printed and contemporary art, and provider of artist residencies, based on the heritage of the 20th century art of printing and Biennial of Graphic Arts, Ljubljana, world’s oldest printmaking biennale which has been running uninterrupted since 1955.

ABOUT US
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, was a World Book Capital in 2010. After being awarded a UNESCO City of Literature in 2015, it joined a world-wide network of cities (42 in total), and committed to actively promote literature, reading culture, and engage in activities that would strengthen the collaboration in the field of writing and publishing. Ljubljana bursts with a vibrant art scene and offers an array of diverse literary events from alternative performances to big international festivals. The residency, established in 2018, offers peace and quiet for uninterrupted writing, yet it also offers the possibility to actively engage in the city’s literary life.

APPLICATION FORM
The Form should include the following information:
– Name
– Address
– Nationality
– Date of birth
– Originating UNESCO City of Literature
– Relation to originating UNESCO City of Literature
– Books published (most recent; at least one; if translated, list languages)
– Current interests and projects (up to 150 words)
– What will you most likely focus on during the residency: manuscript/project/networking/other
– Preferred month (May/November/no preference)

PLEASE SEND THE APPLICATIONS (in a DOC or PDF file) TO
damjan@ljubljanacityofliterature.com.
Contact via this email or call +386 41 541 306 in case of any questions.
A draft of the contract is available upon request.

FINAL DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
31 January 2022
Results will be announced by the end of February 2022.

Writer in the Park, Ljubljana UNESCO City of Literature International Literary Residency is supported by the Municipality of Ljubljana, Department for Culture, and Švicarija/Swisshouse Creative Centre.