The Upstart Non-Fiction Writers’ Residency

The Upstart & Crow Non-Fiction Writers’ Residency, in partnership with The Tyee, offers studio space, a $4,000 stipend, and the opportunity for editorial support and publication with The Tyee — one of Canada’s leading independent news sources, renowned for its fact-driven stories and commitment to democratic conversation.

We seek to support the creation and publication of a nonfiction work that pushes boundaries in form or content — writing that sparks conversations or actions that should be happening right now, in a world of cascading systems failures but bright possibilities. We privilege the originality and energy of the story or idea itself, as well as the writer’s demonstrated ability to convincingly explore it.

This residency is designed for emerging or established non-fiction writers who need space, time, and resources to start and/or complete a significant project. Applicants must be based in or have ties to British Columbia.

While in residence, our first grantee, RJ McDaniel, completed a draft of their book-length memoir manuscript. “The support of the Upstart & Crow Writers Residency has been a pivotal moment in my journey as a writer,” they said of the experience, “and an empowering experience as I move forward in my career.”

Our 2025 jurors are: Jorge Amigo, David Beers, Michelle Cyca, and Emi Sasagawa.

Applications for the 2025 residency will close on Friday, May 16 at 11pm PDT. A recipient will be announced the week of June 30 and the residency will commence in late July. 

Click here to apply. 

With Thanks:

The Upstart & Crow Writers Residency is made possible thanks to funding from the City of Vancouver. We are grateful for their support.