Open Call: Nanjing Virtual Writers' Residency 2021

The theme of this year’s project is Literature and Tourism. Selected writers will enjoy virtual tours of the literary landmarks in Nanjing, and sit in online workshops with local writers, to share views on such topics as literature’s role in a digital era, the relationship between literature and urban life. They will also have one-to-one dialogues with local writers and common Nanjingers, whoever they choose to talk to.

Applicants are supposed to come from UNESCO literary cities, 6 resident writers are to be selected by the panel for a virtual residency in November. The deadline for the open call is 15 October. The selected participants will be announced by 22 October.

A selected writer is expected to:

• create a literary work in English, which is inspired by the virtual residency;
• be fluent in English, or Chinese;
• have at least three years of experience in writing, or at least one published work (all genres inclusive) , or have received literary awards.

Application

This programme is open exclusively to writers from UNESCO literary cities. Applicants are supposed to submit their applications together with the following ducuments.

• CV;
• Extracts from his/her published works;
• a reference letter from any literary society or City of Literature office of his/her city.

Innovation practice for 2021 residency

As part of this year’s innovative practices, the city plans to set up the Nanjing Residency Writers Harbour. The Harbour means a platform, both physical and virtual, to connect all resident writers to Nanjing, including participants of this year and the past sessions. It sits in a historical complex in downtown Nanjing, with spaces to host writers. Nanjing will also set up online communication hub to offer re-connections between the writers themselves and the host city. All resident writers may reach their Chinese readership via the Harbour, with translation and publishing of their works in Nanjing and hybrid meetings between author and readers. It is designed as a place where those writers may stay whenever they visit Nanjing.

There is a scholarship available worth 800 USD.

Please check the website and send your applications to [email protected] prior to 15 October, with CC to [email protected]