SHANGHAI-WESTERN SYDNEY WRITING EXCHANGE

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KEY DATES

Applications have closed
Residency Dates: 1 September - 31 October 2025

This prestigious two-month international residency in Shanghai, China runs from September to October each year.

Students, staff and alumni from Western Sydney University as well as alumni from Varuna, the National Writers’ House, are invited to apply. As this is a reciprocal fellowship, Varuna and Western Sydney University will also be welcoming a writer from the Shanghai Writers’ Association to stay in residence at Varuna and to present at the University.

This exchange will take place over two years, with recipients travelling in alternating years: The selected Shanghai Writers’ Association recipient will travel to Australia this year (2024), and the selected Australian recipient will travel to Shanghai in 2025.

The Shanghai Writing Program is an annual event which has hosted writers from over 30 countries since it began in 2008. The residency includes a series of literary events and Friday night readings, as well as cultural tours and excursions to neighbouring areas. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in your writing for a sustained period and build friendships with the other writers in residence.

• ELIGIBILITY

  This program is only open to published Australian writers of any genre with a connection to Western Sydney University (as students, staff or alumni) and/or Varuna alumni.

• FEES

  There are no application fees for this residency.

  International economy flights, accommodation in central Shanghai and daily per diems are included in the residency, as well as a stipend of $600 per week. For FAQ about this program, please click here.

• WHAT YOU NEED TO SEND US

  A sample of your work (up to 1000 words) as a PDF.

  Read submission guidelines for details on preferred format.

• THE FINE PRINT

  While this is predominantly a self-directed writers’ residency, some duties of an ‘ambassadorial’ nature are required, attending functions and other events during your stay.

• QUESTIONS?

  Please feel free to get in touch by email or by phone 02 4782 5674. Should you have any difficulty completing the application, we will be very happy to assist you with completing your application over the phone.

This Project is a partnership between Western Sydney University, Varuna the National Writers’ House and Shanghai Writers’ Association. Varuna is grateful to Creative Australia for their support of this project.

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FEATURED UPCOMING COURSES, FELLOWSHIPS AND EVENTS: