Dreaming of finishing your writing project in 2026? Why not apply for an international residency?

Photo of a clock on a building in Barcelona

Barcelona just launched the call for applications to their writing residency for 2026. The programme offers creative stays for international authors and translators with literary projects connected to the city.
Eligible applicants include authors of fiction, poetry, playwriting, comics, literary journalism, and audiovisual scripts, as well as translators with at least one published or premiered work. The projects must have an explicit link to Barcelona, which will be assessed alongside the applicant’s career and the literary quality of the proposal. Applications should be submitted no later than January 16th. Find more information here.

A black and white image of Švicarija/Swisshouse Creative Centre in Ljubljana.

Ljubljana, a UNESCO City of Literature since 2015, offers two one-month residencies for writers at the Švicarija/Swisshouse Creative Centre, which is part of the International Centre of Graphic Arts. The residency periods are April 1–30, 2026, and November 1–30, 2026. The residency is aimed at foreign published writers from other UNESCO Cities of Literature. The applicant must have published at least one book of fiction (be it prose, poetry or drama) in their language. There are no restrictions regarding age, race, gender, nationality or other personal/aesthetic preferences. Though writers of all genres are currently welcome to apply, a specific focus might be chosen for calls in the following years.

Deadline for submissions: January 19, 2026. Registration form, information and requirements are here.