The Ulyanovsk-UNESCO City of Literature program invites writers, poets and translators to take part in an international literary residency hosted by the UNESCO Creative City of Nanjing (China).

Nanjing boasts a literary tradition dating back over 1,800 years. The city served as the capital of China for about 400 years under six dynasties. Its legacy from those dynasties and its diverse culture today have contributed to its role as "the most enticing destination" for travelers arriving in China.

In 2022, the UNESCO City of Literature Nanjing is offering 6 virtual residences for writers, poets and translators from UNESCO Cities of Literature around the world.

The theme of the program for 2022 is "Rivers and Literature". Rivers throughout the world have made a significant contribution to culture and civilization, making themselves a constant topic for literary creation. Waterways can serve as a source of literary imagination. They can turn into the main character in literary works. And in many cases they are the bearers of literary stories, making cultural communication fluid and far-reaching.

Residence requirements:

1. To be involved in one of the UNESCO Cities of Literature;
2. Writing experience of at least 3 years or at least one published work in print;
3. Willingness to interact with the literary communities of the UNESCO creative city of Nanjing (China);
4. Active participation in the literary events of the literary city of UNESCO Ulyanovsk;
5. Write a work in English (at least 1,000 words or 50 lines of poetry) inspired by the month-long virtual residence, or translate Chinese stories, poetry or prose into English (Copyright remains with the participants of the literary residence, but works can be used in promotional purposes of the UNESCO City of Literature Nanjing);
6. Fluency in spoken English or Chinese.

The organizers of the international literary residence provide participants with:

1. Virtual tours of the cultural attractions of Nanjing;
2. A selection of literary activities;
3. Online interaction with writers, poets, translators, literary organizations and students from the literary city of Nanjing (China);
4. Scholarship of $1,200 for each selected writer.

Accepting applications: from September 19 to October 21, 2022
Dates: from October 31 to November 30, 2022.

Application documents:

1. Resume with passport photo and full size photo;
2. Extracts from published works;
3. Written confirmation of connection with the Literary City, if applicable.

All required materials must be sent to the contacts below by Friday, October 21, 2022.

The list of participants in the International Writers' Residence will be announced on October 27, 2022.

Contact Information:
Lilas YUAN (UNESCO City of Literature Nanjing Program Coordinator; Director of the Nanjing Literary Center):
yuan.lilas@qq.com

Taotao Wang (Head of the Nanjing International Writers' Residence project):
1411859889@qq.com
wangtaotao@njliterature.org