Writers from Norwich and Québec UNESCO cities of literature are invited to apply for a virtual residency exchange in autumn 2022. Through this exchange, the organisers 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. They ask interested writers to put forward your ideas for a 1500 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 £1500.
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, you will be introduced to other writers and the local literary community and supported 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 1000 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.
