Writer-in-Residence Application Information
2026-2027 Writer-in-Residence
English & Film Studies, ß÷ßäÉçÇø
When?
The term of the Writer-in-Residence is from September 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
Who Are We?
This Writer-in-Residence (WiR) in the Department of English & Film Studies is the longest consecutive running programme in Canada. Established in 1975, our programme has a distinguished history that maps the trajectory of Canadian literature. We have a dynamic community of student writers and scholars.
The salary is $62,000 plus a full range of benefits (dental, medical, and vision care, gym membership, one of the top Canadian university libraries, and access to a sound studio) and a professional expense allowance of $900.
Along with decades of generous Canada Council funding from its inception, the program has depended on grants and donations from the public, including a generous 1995 gift made on behalf of Sandy and Kay Pearson, and a major endowment from Jason Kapalka. In recognition of the Pearson family gift, the Writer-in-Residence is the recipient each year of the Sandy and Kay Pearson Distinguished Writing Award.
Who are you?
The successful applicant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and must have at least one published book. Eligible publications include books of fiction, short stories, poetry, drama, children’s literature, multimedia, graphic novels, screenwriting and creative non-fiction.
In accordance with the ß÷ßäÉçÇø’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives, the Writer-in-Residence selection committee encourages applicants from classes of disadvantaged persons, including persons with disabilities and those who are disadvantaged because of their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or place of origin.
What will you do?
Writing: the majority of the WiR’s time will be devoted to their personal creative practice.
Teaching: the WiR will have the option to teach one Creative Writing class in the Department of English and Film Studies in an area of their choosing. The Creative Writing faculty in EFS may assist the Writer-in-Residence in the creation and design of this course, and will provide logistical support where needed. This optional teaching is meant to provide a space for students to write in the same area as the WiR, and will also come with additional compensation.
Community engagement: the WiR normally gives two readings in the department, as well as other readings in response to requests from the community. The WiR also may be invited to visit Creative Writing, Canadian Literature and other classes on campus. The WiR is invited to generate interest in the EFS WiR programme and become involved in community activities, including consultations with and the mentoring of writers.
If the Writer-in-Residence wishes to apply for additional project funding from Canada Council for the Arts, our Writer-in-Residence Coordinator will help guide the successful candidate through the Canada Council application process. There may be additional sources of funding on campus as well.
Where?
The ß÷ßäÉçÇø (est. 1908) is one of the top Canadian research universities and home to 40,000 students and more than 500 graduate and 200 undergraduate programs, including many studying for creative degrees in EFS, Drama, Art & Design, Music. The university is centrally located and linked by public transit and 23 km of North Saskatchewan River Valley walking and cross-country ski trails. For more information see .
The writer's physical residence will be in the city of Edmonton for the duration of the appointment. Edmonton boasts a vibrant artistic community with many independent and long-standing theatres and galleries, along with a film and video co-op, poetry and nonfiction festivals, and the award-winning ß÷ßäÉçÇø Art Gallery, Royal ß÷ßäÉçÇø Museum, and Winspear Centre.
How?
Applications must include:
- a literary resume (4 pages maximum)
- writing samples: 20-page writing sample from a published book or 20 pages of work-in-progress
- a statement of interest in the residency, including a description of the writing projects to be undertaken during the residency (1 page maximum)
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