Located in Vancouver
The Upstart & Crow BIPOC Writers’ Residency champions the imagination, insight and creative force of writers who self-identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour or People of the Global Majority.
In a time marked by overlapping global crises and a growing urgency to imagine more equitable futures, we recognize that BIPOC/PGM writers are often called upon to shoulder the additional labour of advocacy, cultural translation and education — a task that is often unacknowledged or uncompensated.
Amidst these pressures, we aim to offer material support and a space where underheard voices are resourced, uplifted, and given room to flourish. We seek to support the creation of a work of fiction or non-fiction that pushes boundaries in form or content, but is rooted first in the writer’s own voice and creative terms.
Time Period:
Unspecified
Remuneration:
- The resident will receive a $4,000 honorarium to be delivered half upon commencement, half upon completion.
- One month personal access to our writing studio during opening hours—a work-only, semi-private space in our upstairs loft on Granville Island.
Application fee: Unspecified
Requirements:
We welcome applications from the following:
Emerging writers are those in the early stages of their literary careers who have not yet been published but who demonstrate exceptional talent, originality, and promise. While they may not have accolades, candidates must be actively working toward publication and must be committed to developing an active literary presence through ongoing writing, community engagement, or other professional activities.
Mid-career writers are those who have at least one published work of fiction or non-fiction (book, essay, or substantial piece in a reputable journal, magazine, or anthology). The successful candidate must be in the process of developing a significant literary presence.
Established writers are those with at least one published full-length book of fiction or nonfiction with an established publisher, or equivalent body of work across respected magazines, journals, or anthologies. They must have a well-developed professional presence through readings, residencies, awards, or other literary recognitions.
Additional eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must self-identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour or People of the Global Majority.
- Applicants must currently reside in Canada, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Protected Persons.
- While applicants are not required to reside in the Vancouver area, this residency prioritizes writers who are able to make full use of the studio space in person. The selected resident will be expected to work from our Granville Island studio regularly throughout the residency, as in-person engagement is a central component of the program. Exceptions will be made for applicants experiencing physical limitations to attend in person, though we ask that you specify this in your application.
- Writers must be actively working on a significant fiction or nonfiction project that pushes boundaries in form or content, displays a strong voice, and a clear creative vision.
Deadline:
Unspecified