Varuna International Residency Program: New Zealand
The Varuna International Residency Program in New Zealand is a four-week residency at Michael King Writers Centre in Auckland, held in collaboration with Verb Readers and Writers Festival in Wellington.
Open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2020 - 2024, the fellowship includes return airfares between Australia and New Zealand, travel expenses between Auckland and Wellington, and four weeks’ accommodation (including an allowance for food expenses).
The recipient of the fellowship will stay in New Zealand 14 Oct - 11 Nov 2024, primarily at the Michael King Writers Centre in Auckland, with the last 2-3 days spent at Verb Readers and Writers Festival in Wellington, 9–12 Nov 2024. The fellowship also includes the opportunity for the writer to present their work at the festival.
The Michael King Writers Centre is based in the historic Signalman’s House on Auckland’s North Shore. There are two writers in the centre at any one time, each with their own room which includes a writing space and ensuite bathroom. Nestled halfway up Takarunga Maunga (Mt Victoria), the centre enjoys panoramic views over the Waitemata Harbour. Please refer to Accessibility Information below.
This program is an exchange, with Michael King Writers Centre sending a writer from New Zealand to stay at Varuna for four weeks in October 2024. That fellowship includes a four-week residency at Varuna, as well as an appearance at the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
KEY DATES
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED.
Dates of residency: Monday 14 October to Monday 11 November 2024, which includes travelling to Wellington on 8/9 November to be part of the Verb Wellington Writers Festival.
HOW TO APPLY
Expressions of interest are open to Varuna alumni who have published new work between 2020 - 2024.
You will need to send:
a statement outlining how the residency would benefit you and your work
an overview of your project and brief plan for its completion
evidence of your ability to present your work as part of a writers’ festival
a sample of your published work or work-in-progress, up to 2,000 words or a selection of up to 4 poems
Read submission guidelines for details on preferred format.
FEES
There are no application fees associated with this program, but your alumni membership does need to be up to date. If you’re not sure of the status of your alumni membership, please email anita@varuna.com.au.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
Michael King Writers Centre is located on a hill, about 10 minutes’ walk from the local shops. There is road access to the Centre for cars and taxis with the option of being picked up on arrival depending on circumstances. The Centre is wheelchair accessible with fully accessible showers.
PROGRAM PARTNERS
This program is a partnership between Varuna the National Writers’ House of Australia, the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival, the Michael King Writers Centre, New Zealand and Verb Wellington Writers Festival, New Zealand. This program is made possible with funding from Creative Australia.
