Organizer Information
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2015. Through the Ljubljana City of Literature International Residency, the organization continues its commitment to promoting reading Culture and fostering global literary exchange. The city is a member of ICORN and provides a vibrant, supportive atmosphere for creators of Literature.
Title & Description
Writer in the Park – International Literary Residency 2026
The "Writer in the Park" residency offers two published writers the opportunity to spend one month in the tranquil environment of Tivoli Park, Ljubljana’s largest green space. Established in 2018, the program is designed to provide authors with peace and quiet for uninterrupted creative work while offering a gateway into the city's vibrant literary and artistic scene. Residents are encouraged to engage with the local community, though the primary focus remains on the development of their own new work.
Categories
Literature, Writing (including Prose, Poetry, and Drama).
Eligibility
- International Status: Open to foreign writers (not based in Ljubljana or Celje).
- Professional Status: Applicants must be published authors with at least one book of fiction (prose, poetry, or drama) published in their native language.
- UNESCO Connection: Candidates must have a palpable, factual relation with any of the other UNESCO Cities of Literature (e.g., currently living there, having lived there for a significant period, or being professionally related to that city’s literary scene).
- Inclusivity: There are no restrictions regarding age, race, gender, or nationality.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Grant & Travel: A total gross sum of €1,250 covering the residency grant and travel expenses.
- Accommodation: A private, fully equipped apartment with a kitchenette at the Švicarija Creative Centre.
- Local Support: Coverage of local public transportation costs and airport transfers.
- Networking: Organized meetings with publishers, editors, and translators; opportunities for public presentations or readings of the resident's work.
- Workspace: Access to the artistic community at Švicarija, which also houses studios for local artists and contemporary art exhibitions.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their materials via the official online form, including:
- Personal Information and contact details.
- A description of their relation to a UNESCO City of Literature.
- A list of published books.
- A brief description of current interests and the project they intend to focus on during the residency (approx. 150 words).
- A mandatory letter of recommendation signed by an organization from their chosen City of Literature.
- Note: A Google account is required to upload the necessary files via the form.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 19 January 2026
- Residency Periods:
- Slot 1: April 1–30, 2026
- Slot 2: November 1–30, 2026.
- Note: These dates are non-negotiable.
Location
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Additional Details
Residents are responsible for their own medical insurance, meals, and household expenses during the stay. While the residency is located close to the city center, the Švicarija building is situated on a hill within the park and is primarily reachable on foot, which should be considered by applicants with mobility preferences. Residents are expected to produce a short literary piece (story, essay, or series of poems) during their stay related to the concept of "community, art, and nature."