Call for Writers: Virtual Writer in Residence with Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature

Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature are inviting writers from other Cities of Literature around the world to apply for a unique Virtual Writer in Residence opportunity this November.

This paid residency offers the chance to connect with Melbourne's vibrant literary community by collaborating online with one of the organisations that help make Melbourne a UNESCO City of Literature. Whether you're a poet, playwright, novelist, children's author or interdisciplinary writer, this is an opportunity to share your work, exchange ideas, and build lasting international literary connections.

Residency hosts

Applicants can nominate the organisation they would most like to work with. This year's hosts include:

• 100 Story Building – seeking a playful writer excited by collaboration and working with young people.
• Artisans of Australia – looking for a writer interested in exploring interdisciplinary creative practice within an artist-run community.
• Kickstart Arts – seeking a writer interested in the healing and restorative possibilities of storytelling.
• Melbourne Writers' Theatre – inviting an experienced playwright to share their work, culture and creative process with an enthusiastic theatre community.
• Moorabool Libraries – looking for a writer passionate about short stories who can inspire writers of all ages.
• Neighbourhood Collective Australia – seeking a writer interested in community, placemaking, belonging and storytelling.
• The Society of Women Writers Victoria – offering two opportunities for female writers to explore and encourage writing women's stories through a variety of short forms.
• The Little Bookroom – looking for an author or illustrator to engage with readers and inspire creative projects.
• The Victorian Pride Centre – seeking a writer interested in queer identity, community and place.

What could your residency include?

Applicants are invited to propose three activities for their chosen host organisation. These could include:

• A workshop
• A written piece
• A public appearance or panel discussion
• A social media takeover

Or you can propose an entirely new idea—Melbourne welcomes imaginative and unexpected approaches.

Throughout November, the selected writers will also take part in regular online meetings with the other international writers in residence, creating further opportunities to connect with Melbourne's literary community and fellow UNESCO Cities of Literature.

Residency details

• Residency period: November 2026
• Format: Virtual
• Honorarium: AUD $1,500
• Writers retain full copyright of any work created during the residency.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a writer.
• Be a current resident of a UNESCO City of Literature.

As part of the application, you'll be asked to nominate your preferred host organisation, suggest a second preference, and outline how you would like to collaborate with your chosen host.

Melbourne encourages applicants to explore each host organisation before applying and is eager to hear creative, engaging proposals that foster meaningful international exchange.

Application deadline: Midnight (Melbourne time), Monday 17 August 2026.

If you have questions about the residency, you can contact the Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Office.