Organizer Information
Oxbelly is an international organization dedicated to fostering creativity and strengthening creative economies through global collaborations. Founded in 2015, Oxbelly hosts annual retreat programs in Messinia, Greece, designed to support storytellers across various mediums, including film, television, and literature. The organization is rooted in the Greek concept of hospitality—historically tied to the nearby "Voidokoilia" (Oxbelly) beach mentioned in Homer’s The Odyssey. By providing a space for intercultural dialogue and artistic risk-taking, Oxbelly helps emerging and mid-career artists bring their work to a global stage.
Title & Description
The 2026 Oxbelly Retreat: Fiction Writers Program
The Fiction Writers Program is an intensive eight-day creative residency that brings together ten emerging prose writers from around the world. Led by acclaimed novelist and Program Director Chigozie Obioma, the retreat is designed to help writers elevate their craft, strengthen their unique literary voices, and engage in cross-cultural storytelling. The program is split into two phases: the first half focuses on rigorous workshops and craft sessions with world-class faculty, while the second half provides a "mini-residency" at Costa Navarino. This latter portion offers fellows the rare opportunity for uninterrupted, unstructured writing time in a serene Mediterranean environment.
Categories
- Literature / Writing: Specifically focused on Fictional Prose (Novels and Short Stories).
- Note: Poetry, lyrics, screenplays, and theatrical plays are not eligible for this specific program.
Eligibility
- International & Greek Applicants: Open to writers from any part of the world.
- Career Level: Emerging writers, including those with previous publications, unpublished writers, and current students.
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Language: A high proficiency in English is required as it is the working language of the retreat.
- Work Requirements: While writers may have published work previously, the specific manuscript submitted for the workshop must be unpublished (in print or online).
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully Funded: The program is entirely free for selected fellows.
- Travel & Expenses: Oxbelly covers the cost of international round-trip flights, local transfers, and all meals.
- Accommodation: Luxury accommodation is provided at Costa Navarino in Messinia, Greece.
- Mentorship: Direct access to workshops led by acclaimed authors and industry leaders.
- Post-Retreat Support: Fellows gain access to a partnership with Granta magazine, where they may submit unpublished work directly to editors for publication consideration once a year.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Writing Sample: Up to 15 pages of unpublished fictional prose (double-spaced).
- Writer’s Statement: A one-page document describing your creative vision and goals.
- Biography: A brief professional bio (up to 500 words).
- Demographic Data: Standard contact and background information.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 14 January 2026
- Interview Period (Finalists): Late Spring 2026
- Residency Dates: July 1 – July 9, 2026
Location
Costa Navarino, Messinia, Greece
Additional Details
The retreat runs concurrently with Oxbelly’s Screenwriters and Episodic Writers programs. This allows for unique evening sessions involving "cross-pollination" between novelists and filmmakers. Fellows will participate in curated readings, screenings, and panel discussions that explore storytelling across different artistic forms. The selection process is highly competitive and is based solely on the quality and potential of the writing submitted.