Guest residency - City of Literature

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Circular Residency Project – UNESCO Cities of Literature residency exchange

Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature is participating in "Hringrás — UNESCO Cities of Literature Residency Exchange" (Circular Residency Project), a program connecting UNESCO Cities of Literature such as Barcelona, Kraków, Bucheon, Jakarta and Norwich.

The City of Literature is currently accepting applications from Reykjavík-based authors for a one-month residency in Québec City. The chosen author will receive a 400,000 ISK travel and living grant to spend Sept. 1-30, 2026, working in a new cultural and literary setting in Québec City.

The residency takes place at Maison de la littérature, located in Québec City's historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This facility features a public library, author offices, a comics studio, creative workspaces and a theater hosting a diverse lineup of literary events.

Québec City earned its UNESCO City of Literature designation in 2017, becoming the first French-speaking city to hold the title. The city boasts a vibrant, diverse literary community alongside a wealth of publishers, independent bookstores and cultural institutions.

Alongside working on personal projects, the selected author will write a 500- to 2,500-word piece of fiction or nonfiction reflecting on their time in Québec City. This work will serve both promotional purposes and as a guide for future program participants.

What is offered?

  • Accommodation for the entire residency (Sept. 1-30, 2026)
  • A 400,000 ISK travel and living grant
  • Workspace access at Maison de la littérature
  • Opportunities to connect with the local literary community

Applicants must:

  • Be authors living in Reykjavík
  • Have published at least one work in any genre
  • Be able to work independently during the residency
  • Have an interest in engaging with the host city's literary scene

The application deadline is April 30, 2026.

Click here to submit an application.

Information

For more information, contact Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature at gestadvol@bokmenntaborgin.is.