Jan Michalski Foundation Residency for Writers

The Foundation features a group of seven distinctive residential modules that are available for writers and translators invited for residencies of varying lengths of time. Hanging from the openwork “canopy” that runs above the Foundation, these units are called “cabins” and offer ideal conditions to anyone who is looking to start, continue working on, or put the finishing touches to a writing project.

Although open to all kinds of writing and all languages, the residency program does give priority to literary writers and translators. The residencies can be for either individuals or pairs of participants in the case of projects involving more than one discipline. Each year some forty authors from around the world, from emerging writers to seasoned veterans, are able to count on a certain period of time dedicated to a literary project.

A percentage of the residencies are dedicated to nature writing, a form of fiction or creative non-fiction that raises awareness of nature, prepares for a sustainable future, and helps to better understand socio-environmental interconnections and the impact of human actions on nature.

Residence Conditions

• Residents are allocated one of the seven cabins for periods lasting from two weeks to three months. The cabin allows them to live independently. For projects in pairs, a separate cabin will be assigned to each of the selected candidates. They are not able to welcome families, children or pets at the Jan Michalski Foundation.
• There is one cabin available for people with reduced mobility. Please specify any reduced mobility needs in the Comments box in the Your Stay section of the application form.
• 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 and the village has a small grocery shop.
• Electric bikes are available for residents.
• The Montricher train station, with regular connections to Morges, is situated two kilometers from the Foundation.
• Residents have free access to the library during the day.
• Residents are free to participate in cultural activities organized by the Foundation.

Duration 

• Residencies can vary in length, lasting from two weeks to one, two, or three months. The length of stay should match the scope of the project. The period applied for is a request only, and the Jan Michalski Foundation reserves the right to offer another period depending on availability.

Eligibility Criteria

• There are 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.
• Residences are available for all types of writers engaged in literary creation. While they give priority to writers and translators, they are also open to other disciplines as long as literature is at the heart of the project. Stays in the Jan Michalski Foundation are granted to individuals as well as pairs of writers working on a common project. The latter might include a writer and a translator, a writer and someone from another discipline, two writers, and so on.

For more information, visit Jan Michalski Foundation.