Residency for Writers and Translators at Jan Michalski Foundation

About the Open Call

The Jan Michalski Foundation offers residencies for writers and translators in Montricher, Switzerland. The program provides an environment for literary creation, featuring seven distinctive residential modules or 'cabins' designed to offer ideal conditions for starting, continuing, or finishing writing projects. While open to all forms of writing and languages, priority is given to literary writers and translators. A portion of residencies is dedicated to 'nature writing,' focusing on environmental awareness and socio-environmental interconnections. Stays can be for individuals or pairs working on common projects (e.g., writer/translator, two writers, writer/other discipline). Residencies vary from two weeks to three months, matching project scope. There are no age or nationality restrictions, and beginners are accepted. Candidates can submit one application per year and former residents cannot reapply. Residents are provided with independent living space in their allocated cabin. The Foundation cannot accommodate families, children, or pets, nor can residencies be divided into multiple stays. One cabin is available for people with reduced mobility. Applications are assessed based on literary project quality, professional background, and suitability of stay length. Beginners' applications are judged on project quality and motivation. A panel chaired by Mrs. Vera Michalski-Hoffmann makes final decisions, with candidates notified in December.

What is Offered

Residents are allocated one of the seven cabins for periods lasting from two weeks to three months. Residents’ travel costs to and from their home address will be covered by the Foundation. Residents are granted a weekly allowance of CHF 400. The Foundation provides breakfast and lunch for residents. Electric bikes are available. Residents have free access to the library and are free to participate in cultural activities.

Requirements

Residences are available for all types of writers engaged in literary creation. Priority to literary writers and translators. Open to other disciplines as long as literature is at the heart of the project. Stays are granted to individuals as well as pairs of writers working on a common project. No age or nationality restrictions. Beginners are accepted. Candidates are only allowed to submit one application per year. Former residents are not allowed to reapply.

How to Apply

Applications are to be registered and submitted online. Please make sure you follow each step and send all of the requested documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications can be submitted in English or French. But the excerpts from your current or your published work can be in any language.