Application for Mesa Refuge Residency 2026

About the Open Call

Mesa Refuge brings transformative stories, ideas, and knowledge to the world by supporting a diverse community of writers and activists through residencies at our coastal California retreat. We welcome a diverse group of writers—both emerging and established—who define and/or offer solutions to the pressing issues of our time. Particularly, it is our priority to support writers and activists whose ideas are “on the edge”, taking on issues including (but not limited to): nature, environment and climate crisis; economic, racial and gender equity; social justice and restorative justice; immigration; health care access; housing; and more. We especially want writers of nonfiction books, long-form journalism, audio and documentary film. Occasionally we accept poetry, fiction (Young Adult/Adult Literary), screenwriting and playwriting, photojournalism, personal memoirs (as a vehicle to tell a larger story) and graphic narrative. We tend not to accept academic writing. The potential impact and distribution of your project is also important. We aim to support a diverse community of writers and welcome applicants that represent a broad spectrum of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, immigration status, religion or physical ability. Application We are a small nonprofit and our application fee of $35 helps underwrite the cost of application review. As an organization committed to equity, however, we do not want the application fee to be a barrier to apply. To request a fee waiver, please email us directly here. The questions on our application are mostly short answer. We require one writing sample (2,000 words or 10 pages), a current resume, headshot photo (horizontally oriented), brief bio and two references (we do not require letters of recommendation). Applicants will be contacted in early 2026. Please consult our FAQ page to learn more about applications and our facility. Logistics Mesa Refuge is located in Point Reyes Station, CA (about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco). Our residencies are two-weeks long and there is no residency fee. Space is limited to three writers. You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the residency and most meals. Additional residency expenses like travel, transportation and food, are your responsibility. Our application deadline is November 1st for 2026 residencies.

What is Offered

A two-week residency at Mesa Refuge's coastal California retreat with no residency fee.

Requirements

Open to emerging and established writers and activists working on issues including nature, environment, climate crisis, economic/racial/gender equity, social/restorative justice, immigration, health care access, and housing. Applicants must submit one writing sample (2,000 words or 10 pages), a current resume, headshot photo, brief bio, and two references. Projects should have potential for impact and distribution.

How to Apply

To request a fee waiver, please email us directly. The application includes mostly short answer questions, one writing sample (2,000 words or 10 pages), a current resume, headshot photo (horizontally oriented), brief bio, and two references (no letters of recommendation required).