Application Form

Eligibility and Ideal Candidates

We invite applications from writers with an active and ongoing engagement in literary practice, demonstrated through publication or other forms of contribution to the literary community. Writers at different stages of their careers—including emerging, mid-career, and established authors—are encouraged to apply.

The program welcomes writers working in any literary genre or form. Applicants may have published with independent, small press, or other reputable publishers, or may have built their literary practice through community engagement, public programming, or other forms of creative and cultural contribution.

Because a central goal of the Writer-in-Residence program is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive literary culture at UBC, applications that demonstrate experience, imagination, feasibility, and meaningful engagement with the university community will be strengthened.  Experience in teaching, mentoring emerging writers, facilitating workshops, or participating in community-based literary initiatives will be considered an asset. We seek writers who not only demonstrate literary excellence but who are also enthusiastic about mentorship, dialogue, and developing literary creativity within the university and broader community.

Residence within Metro Vancouver is not required. However, the Writer-in-Residence must be available for in-person activities on the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus throughout the residency period. Please note that the program does not provide financial support for travel or accommodation.

Expectations of the Residency

The residency is designed to accommodate the writer’s schedule.  During the residency period, the Writer-in-Residence will be expected to:

• be available for this residency from September 19, 2026, to October 30, 2026
• participate in a total of four public events
• offer 2 hours of literary or manuscript consultations for members of the UBC community
• not required to spend additional time on campus, but encouraged to make use of UBC Library resources and facilities at any time during the residency for personal research and writing.

Residency Responsibilities

The Writer-in-Residence will contribute to the literary life of UBC through community-facing activities, including:

• Participating in public events on the UBC campus that facilitate conversations on contemporary literary themes and issues
• Reading from and discussing their own work
• As part of the public programming, serve as a featured writer at the Word Vancouver Festival at UBC Robson Square on September 19, 2026.

Program Benefits

The Writer-in-Residence will receive:

• Access to the Marissa and Antonio Peña Room as a dedicated workspace for writing and research
• Access to UBC Library collections, including rare books and special collections
• Opportunities to share their work with new audiences and gain broader recognition
• The chance to spend time on UBC’s Point Grey campus, surrounded by Vancouver’s beaches, forests, and museums
• An honorarium of $2,500 for the residency

The application deadline is May 30, 2026 

In partnership with

The adjudication committee will comprise of individuals from UBC Library and Word Vancouver.

Please contact Allan Cho (Community Engagement & Partnerships Librarian) allan.cho@ubc.ca if you have any questions.