Nanjing offers six literary residencies for writers and translators

Nanjing, a Chinese city renowned for its rich literary tradition dating back more than 1,800 years, has announced the call for applications for its international writers’ residency for 2024. This annual programme, which began in 2019, aims to connect the local literary community with writers, poets and translators from other member cities of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. In previous editions, the residency has welcomed 30 participants from different parts of the world.

For the year 2024, the chosen theme is ‘Life is Better with Literature‘, with the intention of showing how literature can transform our perception of everyday life, offering a broader perspective of the world and enriching emotions. The six selected writers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural life of the city, participating in literary events, reading clubs, cultural excursions and other activities.

The period of residence will be two weeks, from 30 October to 15 November 2024. Participants will enjoy a full programme that includes visits to emblematic places of Nanjing’s culture and literature, days with local writers and other literary activities. In addition, travel, food, accommodation and local transport costs are covered, and each participant will receive a grant of $1,200.

Interested writers must meet certain requirements, such as a connection to a UNESCO City of Literature, at least three years of writing experience or a published work, and be willing to interact with Nanjing’s literary community. In addition, they must submit a work inspired by the residency, written in English or translate Chinese works into English.

Applications can be submitted until 30 September 2024. The results will be announced on 10 October.