Jan Michalski Foundation’s Residency Program for Writers

Deadline: 14 September 2023

Applications are now open for the Jan Michalski Foundation’s Residency Program for writers to provide an environment for creative writing and to support those involved in the written word.

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 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 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 as long as they need to complete their writing project. The cabin allows them to live independently. For projects in pairs, a separate cabin will be assigned to each of the selected candidates.
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.

Location

The Jan Michalski Foundation lies at the foot of the Swiss Jura Mountains in Montricher. The village is approximately 30 minutes from Lausanne and one hour from Geneva. It is possible to reach Montricher from Morges by train.
Six “cabins” overlook Lake Geneva and the Alps while a seventh is oriented towards the forested slopes of the Jura. One final cabin serves as a kitchen and common living area where resident writers can cook together, socialize and relax.

Eligibility Criteria

There are no age or nationality restrictions.
Beginners are accepted.

General Terms and Conditions

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 any other discipline as long as writing 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.

Selection Criteria and Process

Applications will be assessed based on three criteria, the quality of the project, the candidate’s professional background, and whether or not the length of the stay matches the scope of the project. Beginners’ applications are assessed based on the quality of the project and the motivation they are able to convey in their application.
A panel of experts chaired by Mrs. Vera Michalski-Hoffmann will make a decision on all applications.
All candidates will be notified of the jury’s decision.
Reasons for non-selection will not be provided by the jury.

Schedule