Writers from Norwich and Québec UNESCO cities of literature are invited to apply for a virtual residency exchange in autumn 2022. Through this exchange, we aim to develop links and connections between the two cities, explore where literature happens in each place and showcase writing and translation from Québec and Norwich. We ask interested writers to put forward your ideas for a 1,500-word commission or project that in some way connects with one or both cities.
The three-month virtual residency exchange between Norwich and Québec will run from September to November 2022; the two writers selected to be in virtual residence will be offered a series of commissions to be published on the two cities’ websites and invited to take part in an online public event. They will each receive a fee of £1,500.
The opportunity is open to writers writing in English or French, and in any genre, from non-fiction to fiction, poetry to graphic novels.
During the residency, which will be part-time over the three months, you will have time for research, writing and editing, and will be asked to take part in fortnightly meetings on zoom. You will be asked to act as a guide to their city for the other writer, sharing ideas and inspiration. Depending on your interests, we will introduce you to other writers and the local literary community and will offer support for the research for your commission.
As well as the main project you propose in your application, you will also be offered two shorter commissions of up to 1,000 words in total. These will be discussed with you but could include writing tips inspired by photographs of your city promoted via Instagram, and/or a residency diary or blog documenting your process and progress.
All the commissions will be translated into either English or French and published on the Norwich and Québec UNESCO cities of literature websites in early 2023. Our writers in virtual residence will take part in an online event in early 2023, to be broadcast in both cities.
How to apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please send an application in either English or French that should include the following information:
- Your project for exploring connections between Norwich and Québec UNESCO cities of literature
- What you will bring to this virtual residency exchange and what you hope to get out of it
- Your connections with Norwich or Québec UNESCO City of Literature
- Your CV, including publication record
Please send your application to residencies@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk and lit.unesco@institutcanadien.qc.ca.
The deadline for applications is 11.59pm, Monday 13 June 2022.
This international residency exchange is made possible with the support of the Québec Government Office in London and l’Entente de développement culturel entre le gouvernement du Québec et la Ville de Québec.
