We are open to applications for the ‘Castle to Castle’ Residency, a funded writing residency and exchange programme hosted by Edinburgh and Okayama Cities of Literature
We are delighted to open the call for ‘Castle to Castle’, a brand new funded writing residency and exchange programme jointly hosted by Edinburgh City of Literature and Okayama City of Literature.
This reciprocal exchange will see two Okayama writers visit Edinburgh in October 2026, with two Edinburgh writers making a return visit in March 2027.
Residency Outline
Leg 1: Edinburgh (October 26th-November 9th 2026)
Two Okayama writers will travel to Edinburgh, where they will be welcomed by the team from Edinburgh City of Literature and the selected Edinburgh authors.
They will experience a week of curated cultural experiences, including events at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival and a public panel event.
From 2nd-7th November, the Japanese and Scottish writers will travel together to Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s Creative Writing Centre, in the Highlands for a writing residency.
N.B. It is hoped that the selected Scottish authors will participate as fully as possible in the cultural programme, which can be curated according to their schedules. Travel to Moniack Mhor for the residency is a mandatory part of the programme.
Leg 2: Okayama (1st-15th March 2027)
The Scottish writers will then travel to Okayama in March 2027. They will also enjoy a week of cultural experiences, plus dedicated writing time.
Their visit will include experiences at the Okayama Literature Festival and Zine Stadium.
The two selected Edinburgh authors will receive:
- A programme of cultural activities in Edinburgh from 26th October-1st November
- A residency at Moniack Mhor from 2nd-7th November 2026
- Travel to Moniack Mhor
- Economy flights to Japan in March 2027
- Accommodation and subsistence while in Okayama. Full details will be confirmed before booking.
- A programme of literary events and cultural exchange in Okayama from 2nd-14th March 2027 (with travel on 1st and 15th March)
- Support from the Edinburgh and Okayama City of Literature teams
Criteria
Applications are open to Edinburgh-based writers with an EH postcode who can demonstrate:
- A quality publication record with at least 1 traditionally published collection of poetry/book of fiction/creative non-fiction (self-published works are not eligible)
- Interest in Japanese culture and literature
- Willingness to participate in cultural exchange programmes in Edinburgh and Okayama, including local literary events, meetings, and interviews
- Willingness to share about the experience in a blog post or on social media
We would particularly welcome applications from writers whose practice is centred on younger readers, including children and young adults. We are also open to applications from graphic novelists who can meet the publication criteria.
How to apply
Submit a completed Google application form, including:
- A CV/Writer’s CV with publication history
- A writing sample consisting of no more than 5 poems/2,000 words of prose (fiction/creative non-fiction) (included with the application as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF).
- A cover letter (applicants may wish to include details about what they’d like to do during the course of the residency, how they would make use of the opportunity, how they might participate in the cultural exchange, and how they would benefit from the connections Okayama City of Literature can provide).
- Optional: Equal Opportunities Form
Please complete the Google form to submit your interest. Applications are open until 11:59pm on Sunday 30th August. The selected applicants will be chosen by a panel from Edinburgh and Okayama Cities of Literature.
Please note:
- Applications will be assessed by a panel from Edinburgh and Okayama UNESCO Cities of Literature
- The selected applicants must be available for the full duration of ‘Castle to Castle’, 26th October – 9th November 2026, and 1st – 15th March 2027
- Return flights will be reimbursed up to an agreed budget. Participants will be responsible for booking their own travel.
- Entry visas and travel insurance are the sole responsibility of the selected applicants. Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature are not able to issue visas or guarantee outcomes.
Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature are grateful to the City of Edinburgh Council, Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and Okayama UNESCO City of Literature for their generous support.
