An extraordinary creative opportunity is now open for our local authors. Tukums, a fellow member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, officially invites applications for its prestigious Writer-in-Residence Programme at the historic Jaunpils Writers’ Castle in Latvia, scheduled for October 2026.
Designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2023, Tukums is widely celebrated as the birthplace of original Latvian literature. Literature here extends far beyond bookstores—fairy tales, myths, and legends are woven into the very fabric of the region’s parks and urban environments.
The Residency Experience
Selected writers will live and work in a beautifully preserved medieval castle originally built in 1301. Celebrating its 725th anniversary in 2026, the castle is surrounded by parklands, lakes, and heritage trails, offering an inspiring, historic sanctuary for literary creation.
- What is Offered:
- A 2-to-4-week residency in October 2026.
- A financial scholarship of €800 (for 4 weeks) or €400 (for 2 weeks).
- Complimentary transport to and from Riga International Airport.
- Accommodation in a private, fully equipped apartment in the castle’s quiet east wing, featuring a dedicated workspace and high-speed internet.
- Opportunities to participate in local readings, festivals, and cultural networks.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to published writers, poets, playwrights, and screenwriters residing or working within a UNESCO City of Literature.
- Applicants must have at least two traditionally published works.
- A minimum of upper-intermediate English (B2) or basic Latvian (A2) is required.
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
For comprehensive submission guidelines, application forms, and project requirements, please visit the official call link below:
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