Fully funded Residences for writers in Switzerland

Residences are available for all types of writers engaged in literary creation. While we give priority to writers and translators, we are also open to any other discipline as long as writing is at the heart of the project. Stays in the Jan Michalski Foundation can be granted for individual projects or projects in pairs. For example: writer-translator, writer-other discipline, writer-writer etc.

Location

The Jan Michalski Foundation lies at the foot of the Swiss Jura Mountains in Montricher. The village is approximately 30 minutes from Lausanne and one hour from Geneva. It is possible to reach Montricher from Morges by train.

Six ‘Treehouses’ overlook Lake Geneva and the Alps while the seventh faces the Jura forest. One other ‘Treehouse’ serves as a kitchen and common living area and where writers can cook together, socialize and relax.

See Treehouses for more information.

Length of stay

Two week-, one-, two-, three- or six-month stays are available. The length of stay should match the scope of the project. The period applied for is a request only, and the Jan Michalski Foundation reserves the right to offer another period depending on availability.

Eligibility criteria

There are no age or nationality restrictions
Beginners are accepted

Residence conditions

Residents are allocated one of the seven ‘Treehouses’ for as long as they need to complete their writing project. This ‘Treehouse’ allows them to live independently. For projects in pairs, a separate Treehouse will be assigned to each of the selected candidates.

We have one Treehouse available for people with reduced mobility. Please specify any reduced mobility needs in the ‘comments’ box in the ‘your stay’ section of the application form.

Residents’ travel costs to and from their home address will be covered by the Foundation.

Residents are granted a monthly allowance of CHF 1200.

The Foundation provides breakfast and lunch for residents and the village has a small grocery shop.

Electric bikes are available for residents.

Montricher train station, with regular connections to Morges, is situated two kilometers from the Foundation.

Residents have free access to the library during the day.

Residents are free to participate in cultural activities organized by the Foundation.

Selection criteria and process

Applications will be assessed based on three criteria: the quality of the project, the candidate’s professional background and whether or not the duration of the stay matches the scope of the project. Beginners’ applications are assessed based on the quality of the project and the motivation they are able to convey in their application.

A panel of experts chaired by Mrs. Vera Michalski-Hoffmann will make a decision on all applications.

Selected candidates will be contacted individually and a period of residence will be suggested. Only selected candidates will be notified.

Reasons for non-selection will not be provided by the panel.

Schedule

The application forms for 2019 will be available online starting 1 May 2019 and are due latest
on 15 September 2019
Selection panel: October 2019
Announcement of selected candidates: November 2019
Arrival of the first wave of selected residents: February 2020

How to apply

Applications are to be registered and submitted online. Please make sure you follow each step and send all of the requested documents.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications can be submitted in English or in French.

Submit application

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