The Upstart Writers’ Residency

The Upstart & Crow Writers’ Residency offers studio space, and a $4,000 stipend, to a writer with a powerful story or a bold idea who requires some time, space and resources to bring it to life.

We seek to support the creation and publication of a work that pushes boundaries in form or content; a piece that sparks conversations or actions that should be happening right now, in a world of cascading systems failures — but bright possibilities.

We accept applications from those who wish to work in fiction or nonfiction, poetry or an oral project. The form is less important to us than the originality and energy of a story or idea itself, as well as your demonstrated ability to convincingly explore it.

The residency is designed for emerging and established writers who need space, time and resources to start and/or complete a finished project. The writer 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.”

Applications for the 2025 residency will open in late Spring 2025.

With Thanks:

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