6 European Residencies for Writers
Dreaming of making a writing retreat in Italy or working collaboratively in France? If you want to get away to focus on your craft, but you’re worried about the cost, then read on!
The six writing retreats listed below all include lodging and, in some cases, stipends and/or free room and board.
Artist in Residence, Josephine Butler College
Open to artists and writers interested in working collaboratively with a college community while also developing their own work. Residents will have an opportunity to connect with local literary and artistic festivals such as Summer in the City and Durham Fringe. Applicants will be expected to work one day a week, and to help run an intergenerational project at a local church. For more information, conatact contact Andrew Tinkler, the college chaplain, at Andrew.tinkler@durham.ac.uk.
Application fee: no
Residency length: 8 months
Residency dates: May - December
Location: Durham University, England
Lodging: yes
Stipend: £4,000
Restrictions: residents expected to work one day a week
Application deadline: Mid-February
La Baldi Residency
Image of porch at Poderi Borselli from the La Baldi website
The La Baldi Residency invites artists, writers, and researchers to the medieval village of Montegiovi, located in southern Tuscany. This self-directed international residency offers creatives opportunity for inspiration, rest, rejuvenation, and collaboration. Residents stay in private accommodations. Upon request, community contacts that align with artist intentions can be made.
Application fee: no
Residency length: 1 month
Location: Montegiovi, Italy
Lodging: private accommodations in medieval village
Stipend: not specified, though full residency cost minus travel is covered
Restrictions: no
Application deadline: January 2nd
Bogliasco Fellowships
Image of the historic Boglicaso Center from the Boglicaso website
Stay in a villa on Italy's western coast, just 50 miles north of Cinque Terre. Property includes a cliff-side garden with views of the Mediterranean. Residency includes a private bed and bath, full board, and a private workspace or separate studio. Meals are shared, and no formal work expectations or presentations are required of residents. However, fellows are frequently invited to participate in prominent events such as the International Poetry Festival. Fellows are encouraged to learn about and interact with the local community and can expect to receive invitations to attend cultural events at local theatres, opera houses, and more. 60, 1-month fellowships awarded a year.
Application fee: no
Residency length: 1 month
Residency dates: fellowships in September-December and January-May
Location: Bogliasco, Italy
Lodging: full room and board
Stipend: no; residents must cover own travel costs
Restrictions: open to artists and scholars studying literature, music, theatre, visual arts, and more
Application deadline: mid-March
Hawthornden Literary Retreat
Image of Hawthornden Castle grounds from the Hawthornden website
A non-profit retreat in a Scottish castle founded by the late Drue Heinz, philanthropist and former publisher of The Paris Review. The retreat is open 10 months of the year, and houses six fellows at a time. Residents have the option to be in community with other artists in residence. Perfect for creatives eager to disconnect, WiFi is not available on estate grounds (though there are several libraries and cafes with WiFi nearby), and quiet hours are imposed 9am to 6pm. Meals and laundry services provided.
Application fee: no
Residency length: 4 weeks
Location: Scotland, near Edinburgh
Lodging: covers room and board
Stipend: covers accommodation costs only
Restrictions: no
Application deadline: rolling deadlines; visit website for more information
Jan Michalski Foundation’s Residency for Writers
Designed to provide the environment and support necessary for creative writing,the Jan Michalski foundations invites residents to stay in cabins overlooking Lake Geneva. Breakfast and lunch provided; residents cook dinner to provided communal kitchen. Residents have free access to electric bikes and a local library. Awarded annually to 40 authors from around the world. Can be awarded to individuals as well as creative teams. Travel costs covered by residency. Beginning writers welcome.
Application fee: no
Residency length: variable; 2 weeks up to 2 - 3 months
Location: Montricher, Switzerland
Lodging: private, rustic cabins with a communal living and cooking space
Stipend: weekly allowance of CHF 400, or CHF 1200 monthly
Restrictions: only writers and translators need apply
Application deadline: applications open early June and close mid-September
Studio Faire Residency Fellowship
Image of a Studio Faire Sunday from the Studio Faire website
Stay in a 19th century mansion near a market town in Southwest France. Only two applicants will be selected, and they may choose their residency dates for the following year. Fellowships cover accommodation costs at Studio Faire. Applicants are responsible for all other costs (materials, travel, subsistence, insurance etc), but Studio Faire can support additional fundraising through Grants or Crowdfunding. Accommodations include a private bedroom and workspace, and a shared bathroom, kitchen, dining room and gardens. High-speed WiFi available throughout the property. Paid residencies are also available at a rate of about €1300 for one person for two weeks.
Application fee: no
Residency length: 2-4 weeks
Location: Nérac, Lot-et-Garonne, Southwest France
Lodging: yes
Stipend: Covers accommodation costs only
Restrictions: no
Application deadline: end of March for a fellowship the following year
I wish you the best of luck to you if you apply to these or any other residencies!
If you enjoyed this post, please consider subscribing to my newsletter. Each month, you’ll get a curated list of sub and pitch opps, new/open markets, fellowships and grants, industry jobs, and more!
To sign up, pop on over to the contact page. And please, don’t be shy! Drop me a line to introduce yourself.
