PEN Català, in collaboration with Barcelona City of Literature, issues a call for applications for 2 international literary residencies in 2025 within the framework of UNESCO Cities of Literature.

The third edition of the call is aimed to promote the mobility of refugee writers in Europe. 

Apply here

What is included?

The residency includes housing and a 600 euros to cover travel expenses and allowance.

Who is eligible?

Refugee writers and translators in any literary genre, fiction or nonfiction, based in Europe

Duration

The duration of the residency is 21 days, taking place from July 8 to 28, 2025.

Requirements

  • -Proof of two previous literary publications (self-publishing excluded), or two productions in the case of playwrights.
  • -Sufficient knowledge of English.
  • -Willingness to participate in cultural activities and exchanges with local publishers, librarians, authors and cultural institutions in the city of Barcelona.

It will be taken into consideration

  • -Membership at a PEN centre, previous participation in the Writers in Refuge programme in one of the ICORN cities, or a connection to one of these two networks and proof of such.
  • -The literary and linguistic quality of the presented project will be evaluated, as well as its treatment of contemporary issues.
  • -The author’s interest in the city of Barcelona and Catalan culture and language will be evaluated.

Documentation needed to apply

  • -Letter of motivation and CV
  • – List of published works
  • -Presentation of the literary project to be worked on during the stay. The submission will include a title, a description (1-2 pages) and a writing sample (3-5 pages).
  • -Documents that demonstrates the condition of or application for international protection or statelessness. It may be: a legal document issued by the host country, a document that proves the submission of an application or positive or negative resolution of the same, or a letter from an organisation dedicated to the protection of refugees that demonstrates the condition.

The residence

The residency is located at MUHBA Vil·la Joana, An emblematic building surrounded by vegetation in the Collserola hills. The residence, distanced from the city, and thus without nearby stores or supermarkets, is well-connected to the Barcelona city centre by train (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat, Baixador de Vallvidrera stop). The path from the residence to the train station (10 minutes by foot) contains stairs and is thus not accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Each writer will have an individual room with bathroom and desk for working, as well as a balcony with views of the Collserola hills. There is also a common space with a fully equipped kitchen where the writers can prepare their meals. During the residency, the selected writers will live there at the same time. Unfortunately, the residence cannot offer the possibility for residents to be accompanied by their partner or children. All rooms are for individual use, so it is important that applicants take this into account when submitting their application.

During the residency, activities will be organized in the city of Barcelona with the participation of resident writers who will contribute to cultural interaction and exchange. The residents are expected to take part in all the activities.

The writers will be in contact with a person from PEN Català who will welcome them the first day and check in with them during their stay but will not live with them at the residence. Therefore, the writers must be autonomous when it comes to planning and managing their stay, as well as buying and cooking their own meals.

Application deadline
April 30, 2025

Download the basis here

Apply here