Contemporary French Literature

About the Open Call

This self-directed 12-day residency offers French writers working across genres with a flexible format, allowing them to choose the amount of programming and support they want. Optional elements include thematic talks from specialist faculty (Chris Clarke, Rhonda Mullins, Santiago Artozqui, Cole Swenson) and professional guest Alana Wilcox (Coach House Books) to introduce participants to the North American market and the experience of translation. One-on-one mentoring with faculty to discuss ideas, experiences, and obstacles, Q&A sessions, workshops to explore techniques, and public readings are also available. All participants will receive individual accommodation and a small private studio to focus on their writing practice, fostering a community of artistic peers.

What is Offered

A 12-day writing residency from Feb 09 - Feb 20, 2026, including individual accommodation, a small private studio, and a flexible full meal plan (credit-based system). The program offers group seminars, workshops with faculty, opportunities to showcase work, and access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives and other campus facilities, including the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre. It also includes a travel bursary (regional maximums apply, recipient must book their own travel). A 100% scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, onsite accommodations, meals, and a travel award, thanks to the generous support of Fondation DRG through the Fondation de France.

Requirements

Applicants must be French citizens residing in France or one of its specified territories (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, French Southern And Antarctic Lands, Mayotte, Réunion, or Saint Pierre And Miquelon). Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. Accomplished, professional writers published in books, national/international magazines, newspapers, anthologies, or literary journals are preferred, but less experienced writers may be accepted based on merit. Participants should be comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment and have a working knowledge of English for administrative correspondence. A thank you letter to the donor is required at the end of the program.

How to Apply

Due to the generous support of Fondation DRG, there is NO APPLICATION FEE for this program. Applicants should skip Step 2. Step 1: Complete the Online Form. Step 3: Upload Your Materials, which include a one to two-page resume/CV, a one-page cover letter, a one-page project proposal, an excerpt from the work-in-progress (maximum 10 pages), and complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance.