The Climate Writers’ Residency

As we move deeper into an era of overlapping crises, the stories we tell matter more than ever. This residency is designed to support writers whose work illuminates pathways forward — writing that offers unique, enchanting ways of rethinking how we narrate our relationships to the natural world and to the systems that shape our futures.

The program includes dedicated, month-long access to our Granville Island studio, a $4,000 grant, and a focused environment for writers developing an original work of literary fiction or non-fiction.

We welcome work that expands how climate stories can be told. This may include projects that foreground underheard perspectives, explore place-based relationships to land and water, interrogate inherited assumptions about progress and growth, or imagine new social and ecological possibilities. Above all, we are looking for writing that moves beyond documenting crisis alone, offering readers deeper ways of understanding how we can live within — and alongside — the natural world.

What are the goals of this residency?

Our aim is to provide the time, space, and material support for the development or completion of a boundary-pushing manuscript that contributes meaningfully to contemporary climate discourse, while maintaining a strong commitment to literary craft. Without diminishing the realities we face, this residency seeks to champion forward‑looking, solutions‑oriented storytelling that explores imaginative pathways toward resilience and reciprocity.

Who is eligible?

This residency is intended for mid-career and established writers with a demonstrated body of work and experience in their field.

Mid-career writers are those who have at least one published work of fiction or non-fiction (book, essay, or substantial piece in a reputable journal, magazine, or anthology). The successful candidate must be in the process of developing a significant literary presence.

Established writers are those with at least one published full-length book of fiction or nonfiction with an established publisher, or an equivalent body of work across respected magazines, journals, or anthologies. They must have a well-developed professional presence through readings, residencies, awards, or other literary recognitions.

We recognize that systemic barriers can shape the pathways through which writers gain recognition or build traditional literary credentials. We remain committed to maintaining a low barrier to access and will make exceptions to this criteria for candidates whose work demonstrates exceptional talent and originality, even if their formal record of publication is not extensive. Outstanding applications from such emerging writers will be given full consideration.

Additional eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must currently reside in Canada, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and Protected Persons.
• While applicants are not required to currently reside in the Vancouver area, this residency prioritizes writers who are able to make meaningful, in-person use of our work-only studio space. The selected resident will be expected to work regularly from our Granville Island studio throughout the residency period, as on-site engagement is a core component of the program. Please note that living accommodations are not included at this time. Exceptions to in-person participation will be made for applicants experiencing physical limitations; if this applies to you, we ask that you outline your needs within your application.
• Writers must be actively working on a significant fiction or nonfiction project that displays a strong voice, a clear creative vision, and innovative potential.

How will applications be evaluated?

Applications will be assessed by a panel of three carefully selected jurors. Each juror will receive a portion of the submissions to review in two rounds, first independently, then together as a group. The review process will take roughly one month.

Our 2026 jurors are: Anne Shibata Casselman, David Isaac, and Stephanie Wood.

Applications will be evaluated on the following:

• Depth of engagement: how thoughtfully the work grapples with ecological questions and their social, cultural, or political dimensions. 
• Imaginative contribution: the project’s potential to expand climate storytelling and offer new ways of thinking.
• Innovative potential: the potential for the writer and their work to expand the boundaries of literary form, explore fresh perspectives, and connect meaningfully with a broad and diverse readership.
• Project vision: the clarity, originality, and feasibility of the proposed project, including its concept, scope, and artistic goals.
• Engagement potential: the writer’s ability to engage genuinely and collaboratively with the literary community, demonstrating openness to dialogue, exchange, and creative contribution.
• Residency fit: the depth and intention with which the writer plans to make use of the studio space to develop their work, and how in-person time will contribute to their creative process.

Dates and details: 

• Applications for the 2026 Climate Writers’ Residency will open in Spring 2026
• Applications will close on Monday, April 27 at 11pm
• Shortlist results will be announced on Wednesday, May 13
• Final recipient to be announced in May 
• This residency will commence in June 2026 at a date to be determined by the recipient