GrÖndal’s House Residency – Reykjavik, Iceland
INTERNATIONAL WRITER‘S RESIDENCY IN REYKJAVÍK
In 2019 the Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature offered for the first time a free residency for a writer from another
UNESCO City of Literature. In 2020, we offer the residency to children’s book author in association with Mýrin, International children’s Literature Festival – myrin.is.
WHAT?
Reykjavík, a UNESCO City of Literature since 2011, offers a one month residency for a visiting writer from another UNESCO
City of Literature. The offer is open to published children’s book authors from, or affiliated with, any of the other 38 Cities of Literature.
WHEN?
The residency will be a one month stay for one writer from October 1.–31. 2020.
WHO?
Writers from or with strong ties to any of the 38 other UNESCO Cities of Literature can apply. The applicant must have
published at least one work for children (poetry, prose, play or screenwriting). Writers of all ages, gender, nationalities
and languages can apply as long as the affiliation with a UNESCO City of Literature is strong.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Travel cost, free lodging in Gröndalshús (Gröndal‘s House) residence flat and a sum of 800 Euros. The flat in Gröndalshús
is a fully furnished one bedroom flat with a full kitchen located in the Reykjavík city centre close to cultural venues and the main city attractions. The living/dining area can also be used as a work space. The flat has free wifi. The guest will be
responsible for meals and other day to day needs. Medical coverage is not included and therefore the guest should
have medical insurance/coverage of their own. The Reykjavík City of Literature staff will be of help in connecting the guest
with the local literary community and other relevant parties related to literary work. Presentation of literary works will
also be possible for the guest, be it by an open event, media presentation or other channels and the guest should be
able and willing to take part in Mýrin, International Children’s Literature Festival. The offer is meant for the writer only.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must use this month in Reykjavik for literary work and have an interest in getting to know Reykjavík and Iceland and its culture and literature. Whereas the hosts do not make any restrictions on the nature or content of the work being written during the stay, they do ask that the author writes a short text (1-2 A4 pages; prose, reflection, poem etc.) about Reykjavík and/or the stay or the author‘s home city‘s ties to Reykjavik or Icelandic literature. The piece may be translated to Icelandic and used by the Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature, on the programme‘s website,social media channels and/or in a publication dedicated to the residency in the future without further compensation. Proficiency in English is required.
ABOUT REYKJAVÍK AND GRÖNDAL‘S HOUSE
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and its cultural centre. Inhabitants in the capital area are around 230.000. Icelandic is the language of the island but most people are also fluent in English. Reykjavík has been a UNESCO City of Literature since 2011 and has a vibrant literary community. The Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature office is run by the City of Reykjavík within its Department of Culture and Tourism. Gröndal‘s House is the former home of writer, illustrator and scholar Benedikt Gröndal (1826-1907). This small charming house in the heart of the old town was renovated by the City and opened as a
culture house and residency in 2017. It houses the flat on the ground floor, an exhibition and event space on the main
floor and an office space for local artists on the top floor. The house is run by the Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature
office.
See further here: https://bokmenntaborgin.is/en/city-ofliterature/grondalshouse
APPLICATION AND DEADLINE
Please send your application to bokmenntaborgin@reykjavik.is before March 1st 2020.
It should contain:
• Name
• Address and contact email
• Nationality
• Date of birth
• Connection to a UNESCO City of Literature
• CV of published works and relevant career
• Brief description of project that you plan to work on in Reykjavík
• You may send a sample of written work if available in Icelandic, English, Danish, Swedish or Norwegian although not required.
If you need further information, please write to us at the same address:bokmenntaborgin@reykjavik.is
