Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, was named World Book Capital in 2010. After being designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2015, it joined a growing global network of cities, committed to actively promoting literature and reading culture, while engaging in activities that strengthen collaboration in the fields of writing and publishing.
Ljubljana boasts a vibrant art scene and offers an array of diverse literary events, ranging from alternative performances to major international festivals. The highly regarded residency, established in 2018, provides peace and quiet for uninterrupted writing, while also offering opportunities to actively participate in the city’s literary life.
Notes on the application procedure
The application requires a mandatory letter of recommendation, signed by an organization from your chosen City of Literature. Therefore, a Google account is required for file uploads to work.
This form will collect verified (logged-in) email addresses so we can get in touch with you.
Incomplete applications, those not submitted via this Google Form, or those sent after the deadline will not be considered.
Deadline for submissions: January 21, 2025.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/JCM2CbKz424kBQHTA
What
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.
When
Each residency lasts one month per applicant. The residency periods are April 1–30, 2025, and November 1–30, 2025. The dates are non-negotiable, but a shorter stay is possible if required due to travel arrangements. Extra nights cannot be covered by the organizer, though organizational assistance can be provided.
Who
The residency is aimed at foreign published writers with a palpable, factual relation with any of the other UNESCO Cities of Literature that has to be apparent and described as part of the application. This means the applicant is or has been living in one of the other cities of literature or is related to a city of literature through work.
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.
Note on eligibility: Choosing Ljubljana as your originating City of Literature is not permitted, and letters of recommendation from Ljubljana will not be accepted.
What we offer
Each resident will get a sum amount of the grant and travel expenses of €1250 gross in total (details regarding potential wire-transfer charges and other expenses can be found in the contract that can be sent to the applicant upon request). Each resident will stay in their own, separate and fully equipped apartment with a kitchenette at Švicarija, possibly along other residents, artists, and exhibitions hosted at the premises.
Local public transportation costs will be covered, including airport transfer (Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport). Access to the Internet will be provided. Through targeted activities and networking possibilities, suited to each resident’s profile, the organisers will help them get to know the vibrant art and literary scene in Ljubljana. If requested, opportunities for public presentation of the residents’ work will be made possible, as well as meetings with translators, editors, other writers etc. if necessary and/or applicable. During the resident’s stay, some group activities, such as meetings with the organizer, publishers etc., may be scheduled.
Residents are required to take care of medical insurance and are responsible for their meals and household. Additional guests cannot be hosted.
What we expect
The resident is encouraged to show an interest, and partake, in local literary events and other related activities – which will be coordinated according to other local events as well as the needs and interests of the given resident. However, if the resident so wishes, they may request not to be distracted in order to use the time and space for writing and/or research.
Location
Švicarija/Swisshouse Creative Centre is a cultural, educational and social hub located in the heart of Ljubljana’s central park – situated just a few steps from the city centre – which offers public programmes, studio facilities for local artists, and residencies for international artists and experts. Švicarija is part of MGLC – International Centre of Graphic Arts, a specialised museum, producer of printed and contemporary art, and provider of artist residencies, based on the heritage of the 20th century art of printing and the Biennial of Graphic Arts, Ljubljana, world’s oldest printmaking biennale which has been running uninterrupted since 1955.
The rather spacious building might seem empty at times or crowded at others, depending on current exhibitions and the number of residents or artists currently working in their studios. In general, Švicarija is marked by a creative, if particular, atmosphere. Peaceful and serene because of the closeness of nature, yet vibrat because of it’s artistic program and the proximity to the city centre.
Note: Downstairs, Švicarija hosts a restaurant which might host wedding receptions on Saturdays (particularly during summer months). If such events might interfere with your work, opt for the autumn timeframe, if applicable, but be advised that some evenings might still get a bit noisy.
Note: Švicarija is located at the edge of the forest. Though it’s very close to the city centre, it can be reached only on foot (except for prearranged arrival and departure). It’s a short walking distance, but requires walking uphill through the park.