Gothenburg literary residency grants open to Edinburgh-based writers and translators

Through the Cities of Literature network, you can currently apply for a one-month residency grant for November 2025, within the framework of AIR Litteratur Västra Götaland.

The AIR Litteratur Västra Götaland residency programme is working with Gothenburg City of Literature on this round of residencies, and applications from writers in other Cities of Literature are very much encouraged! That includes Edinburgh.

Applications are open to writers and literary translators for a total of 15 residency grants in 11 locations across the Västra Götaland region. These residencies include a 20,000 SEK stipend, one month’s accommodation and access to a workplace. Where the host organisation is a library, an additional writer’s fee of 8,500 SEK is included for a public appearance which will be organised in consultation with the host.

The programme aims to create time and space for artistic development and cultural exchange. The residencies are made possible through grants, and they focus on artistic exploration and on providing opportunities for inspiration and further development. The residencies should also be shaped by the conditions of the location and the wishes of the host.

This residency grant announcement for 2025 is taking place in these eleven locations: Alingsås Culture House and Library, Frölunda Culture House and Library, Lidköping Library, Skara library, Tanum Library, Villa Martinson in Jonsered, People's House in Ulricehamn, People's House in Lidköping, The Art Collective in Mölndal, Källhult ett6 and Ljurhalla Factory.

The residency at Villa Martinson will take place within the framework of the subproject AIR Litteratur vistelsestipendium. The residencies at the other ten locations are part of AIR Litteratur Bibliotek, a subproject run in collaboration with libraries throughout the region and AIR Litteratur – Plats och Kultur, in collaboration with independent actors within the cultural field in the region of Västra Götaland. The host organisation will organise accomodation, nominate a point of contact for the resident and introduce them to the local area and literary scene. At the end of the residency, both the resident and the host will submit a brief report, describing their work and any events that were arranged during the period.

In your application, you should specify your first, second and third choices of host. The libraries and the independent actors within the cultural field offer one place each, Villa Martinson offers five places. The host organisations are above.

Gothenburg City of Literature is home to a number of thriving professional and non-profit literary organisations, literature festivals and the Gothenburg Book Fair, which is the Nordic region’s largest international cultural event.

More information and the application form can be found here. Any questions can be directed to AIR Litteratur. Apply by 23rd April 2025.