Organizer Information
The International Writers’ Workshop (IWW) at Hong Kong Baptist University was founded in 2004 as part of the university’s long-term commitment to literary arts, creative writing, and cross-cultural exchange. Hosted under the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the programme has welcomed more than 150 writers from over 60 countries, making it one of the most respected literary residency initiatives in Asia.
HKBU is a publicly funded university in Hong Kong known for its strong focus on creative media and interdisciplinary arts education. The university supports research and teaching in Creative Writing, Literary Studies, Film and Screen Studies, Translation Theory and Practice, Music, and Visual Arts. Through the IWW residency, HKBU creates a platform for international writers to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, develop new literary work, and connect with the literary community in Hong Kong and across Asia.
The residency culminates in the annual IWW Literary Festival, which brings together writers, scholars, students, translators, and readers for public conversations, readings, and cultural exchange activities. The 2027 edition of the programme centers around the theme “Inheritance,” encouraging participants to reflect on legacy, memory, tradition, family, cultural continuity, and the transmission of stories across generations and societies.
Title & Description
International Writers’ Workshop at Hong Kong Baptist University – 2027 Writers-in-Residence Programme
The International Writers’ Workshop (IWW) at Hong Kong Baptist University is currently accepting applications for its 2027 Writers-in-Residence Programme, taking place from 26 February to 25 March 2027 in Hong Kong. This prestigious residency offers established and emerging literary voices from around the world the opportunity to spend four weeks immersed in a vibrant academic and cultural environment while developing their creative practice.
The residency is designed to support writers working across a broad spectrum of literary forms, including fiction, poetry, drama, creative nonfiction, digital writing, libretti, and graphic narratives. Participants will have the chance to focus on their writing projects, engage with fellow international writers, and participate in public literary events organized by the IWW.
A central component of the programme is the IWW Literary Festival, which will conclude the residency. The 2027 festival theme is “Inheritance.” Applicants are encouraged—but not required—to consider how their literary work relates to the concept of inheritance, whether through cultural memory, language, identity, artistic influence, migration, family history, political legacy, or intergenerational storytelling.
Throughout the residency, writers are expected to participate in selected programme activities, including a welcome ceremony during the opening week and literary festival events during the final week. The programme emphasizes intercultural exchange and literary dialogue, making it particularly attractive for internationally active authors interested in building connections within Asian literary networks.
Categories
- Literature
- Creative Writing
- Poetry
- Fiction
- Creative Nonfiction
- Drama
- Digital Writing
- Graphic Narratives
- Libretti
- Literary Arts
- Cross-disciplinary Writing Practices
Eligibility
This is an international open call for writers residing outside Hong Kong. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must have at least one literary book published by a recognised press
- Self-published books are not eligible
- Must currently reside outside Hong Kong
- Must have a functional command of English or Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese)
- Open to writers from all nationalities and backgrounds
- No age restriction has been specified
The programme is particularly suitable for professionally active writers seeking international literary exchange opportunities in Asia.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected writers will receive:
- Round-trip economy-class airfare to Hong Kong
- Four weeks of accommodation on the HKBU campus
- A per diem/living allowance
- Participation in the IWW Literary Festival
- Opportunities for international networking and cultural exchange
- Access to HKBU’s creative and academic environment
- Public presentation opportunities during the festival
- Visibility through one of Asia’s most recognized literary residency programmes
The residency provides both financial and institutional support, allowing participants to focus on writing and literary engagement during their stay.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit the following materials:
- A one-page single-spaced Artist’s Statement in English or Chinese describing:
- Their literary practice
- Current work
- Writing goals for the residency
- If the statement is written in Chinese, applicants must also include a one-paragraph summary in English
- 10–12 pages of recent literary work, which may include:
- Poetry
- Fiction
- Creative nonfiction
- Drama
- Graphic literature
- Digital writing
- Libretti
- If the submitted work is not originally written in English or Chinese, an English or Chinese translation must be included
- A CV or résumé
- Contact information for two referees, including email addresses
Formatting requirements:
- 12-point font
- 1-inch margins
- All application materials combined into a single PDF file
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit all application materials as a single PDF document via email to: iww@hkbu.edu.hk
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
- Notification of Results: By November 2026
- Residency Period: 26 February – 25 March 2027
Location
Hong Kong
Additional Details
The IWW Writers-in-Residence Programme is recognized as one of the leading literary residency initiatives in Asia. Beyond financial support, the programme offers participants an opportunity to engage deeply with Hong Kong’s multilingual and internationally connected cultural landscape.
Writers are expected to attend the full residency period and actively participate in programme events. The final Literary Festival serves as a major public platform where residents may share readings, participate in discussions, and engage with local and international audiences.
Although the 2027 theme “Inheritance” is central to the festival, applicants are not required to tailor their submission specifically to the theme. However, proposals that meaningfully engage with questions of cultural continuity, memory, or literary legacy may resonate strongly within the programme context.