Residency Programme for Fiction Writers and Poets | April-June 2019

A call to challenge cultural and racial stereotypes for authors with links to Africa.

Description of residency program

"Dentro la Terra" will be hosting up to two published fiction writers or poets in April-June 2019 as part of its first residency programme.

The residency will take place in the village of Arielli (+/- 1,100 inhabitants) in the Central-Italian region of Abruzzo, about 15 kilometers from both the Adriatic Sea and the foothills of the Majella mountain. Accomodation and work-spaces are located in a palazzo, which was long owned by wealthy Arielli landowners, with some parts dating back hundreds of years. Stretching out over three floors, it is surrounded by a large garden overlooking a forested valley, offering a lot of privacy and inspiration, while being in the village center. It underwent an extensive renovation in 2018 and is now ready to welcome guests. It is called "Dentro la Terra" in honor of the colloquial expression used by the locals to refer to the historic center.

Duration of residency
The residency is offered for a period of one month, but length can be adapted to the creative needs of the project proposed.  

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance
The residency programme is open to authors from any country.

As part of this first open call, preference will be given to projects challenging cultural and racial stereotypes and to authors with personal or artistic links with the African continent. Projects can be realized in any language. Ability to speak Italian is considered an asset. The residency is self-run and will not follow a set programme.

Accommodation and studio/ workspace
Resident(s) will be provided with accomodation and a work space. 

Fees and support
Residence is provided at no fee for the author(s) selected. Living costs and travel expenses are not covered by the grant, but support can be provided to residents' applications for scholarships or other forms of financial support.

Expectations towards the artist
Expectations from residents is to complete the project proposed in their application. Based on relevance for the project proposed, the author(s) can be requested to talk part in a talk or public event.

Application information
In their application, prospective residents will include their resume, a list of published works, a description of their project and the intended duration of their stay. Applicants will explain how the proposed project will impact their own artistic growth, as well as the local host community.

​Based on relevance for the project(s) selected, additional visibility will be provided to the author(s), as well as opportunities to interact with other cultural initiatives. .

​Applications will be received via email in English, French, Italian or German, before 30 January 2019. Selected applicants will receive confirmation of their acceptance by 28 February 2019.