Michael King Writers’ Centre Residencies 2017 - Applications now open

Michael King Writers’ Centre Residencies 2017 Applications are now open

The Michael King Writers’ Centre invites applications from New Zealand writers for four supported residencies in 2017, with stipends ranging from $8,000 to $30,000. The residencies are at the Michael King Writers’ Centre, based in the Signalman’s House, a heritage villa on Takarunga Mt Victoria in Devonport.   The residency programme aims to support New Zealand writers and promote the development of high-quality New Zealand writing. Projects can be in a wide range of genres, including non-fiction, fiction, drama and poetry. Previous resident writers include Man Booker prize-winner Eleanor Catton, who wrote the final draft of her novel The Luminaries at the centre and Rachel Barrowman, David Eggleton, and Roger Horrocks were amongst the finalists for the 2016 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.   Writers selected for the 2017 residencies will have free accommodation at the Michael King Writers’ Centre in Devonport, use of the writer’s studio and receive a stipend: The University of Auckland Residency, six months from January 2017 ($30,000 stipend/salary) Māori Writer’s Residency, eight weeks starting in June 2017 ($8,000) Spring Residency, eight weeks starting in August 2017(stipend $8,000) Early Summer Residency, eight weeks starting in October ($8,000) The eight-week residencies are open to emerging or established writers. The six-month residency, offered in partnership with The University of Auckland, is for an established author who will benefit from the academic environment. Writers from all over New Zealand, including those who live in Auckland, are welcome to apply. The residencies are offered with the assistance of Creative New Zealand.   Application forms and further information are available on the centre’s web site or from the centre. Applications close on Friday October 7, 2016 and the selections are expected to be announced in November.   Thirty-eight New Zealand writers have held residencies at the centre since 2005. The current writer in residence is Vivienne Plumb who writes fiction, poetry and drama, and has published over fifteen books. Writers who do not qualify for the supported residency programme are able to apply to be a visiting writer on a paying basis.   For further information, please call Tania Stewart: Ph/fax: (09) 445 8451 Mobile: 021 106 3837 Email: administrator@writerscentre.org.nz