The Upstart BIPOC Writers’ Residency

The Upstart & Crow BIPOC Writers’ Residency champions the imagination, insight and creative force of writers who self-identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour or People of the Global Majority.

In partnership with Catalyst Agents, this residency includes dedicated time in our Granville Island studio and a $4,000 honorarium. 

What are the goals of this residency?

In a time marked by overlapping global crises and a growing urgency to imagine more equitable futures, we recognize that BIPOC/PGM writers are often called upon to shoulder the additional labour of advocacy, cultural translation and education — a task that is often unacknowledged or uncompensated.

Amidst these pressures, we aim to offer material support and a space where underheard voices are resourced, uplifted, and given room to flourish. We seek to support the creation of a work of fiction or non-fiction that pushes boundaries in form or content, but is rooted first in the writer’s own voice and creative terms. 

What will the resident receive? 

• The resident will receive a $4,000 honorarium to be delivered half upon commencement, half upon completion.
• One month personal access to our writing studio during opening hours—a work-only, semi-private space in our upstairs loft on Granville Island.
• Community engagement through two workshops or events in partnership with Upstart & Crow. 

Who is eligible?

This residency is intended for mid-career and established writers who have 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 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 impact 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 who may not yet have accumulated extensive accolades but whose work shows exceptional talent and originality. Outstanding applications from such emerging writers will be given full consideration.

Additional eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must self-identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour or People of the Global Majority.
• Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• While applicants are not required to reside in the Vancouver area, this residency prioritizes writers who are able to make full use of the studio space in person. The selected resident will be expected to work from our Granville Island studio regularly throughout the residency, as in-person engagement is a central component of the program. Exceptions will be made for applicants experiencing physical limitations to attend in person, though we ask that you specify this in your application. 
• Writers must be actively working on a significant fiction or nonfiction project that pushes boundaries in form or content, displays a strong voice, and a clear creative vision. 

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 independently in two rounds. The review process will take roughly one month. 

Our 2025 jurors are: Chelene Knight, Eddy Boudel Tan, and Billy-Ray Belcourt.

Applications will be evaluated on the following:

• 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.
• Relevance and contribution: the relevance of the writer’s work to engage with core questions and themes of importance and relevance, and the extent to which their work offers new, different or deeper reflections and contributions to the literary conversation. 

Dates and details: 

• Applications for the 2025 Upstart BIPOC Residency will open on Monday, August 11
• Applications will close on Monday, September 22 at 11:00pm PST
• The residency will commence in Fall 2025 or late November (exact date to be determined by the recipient)

With Thanks:

The Upstart & Crow inaugural BIPOC Writers’ Residency is made possible thanks to funding from Catalyst Agents. 

Catalyst Agents is a multicultural creative agency based in Vancouver, specializing in the premium fashion, beauty, real estate, consumer goods, and travel sectors. Founded in 2012 by Florence Leung, the agency was born from a vision to replace tone-deaf marketing with culturally resonant storytelling. Our partnership with Upstart & Crow aligns perfectly with our mission—creating platforms for BIPOC writers to share their stories and inspire broader cultural empathy.

Florence has dedicated her career to uplifting minorities and empowering women through leadership roles as Chairperson for Dress for Success Vancouver’s IMPACT 360 Gala, Founding President of LeanIn.org’s Vancouver Chapter, and Chairperson of the Board at 3H Craftworks, helping adults with disabilities reintegrate into society. Her commitment was recently recognized with the Best Community Service Award from the Association of Chinese-Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE) in April 2025.

We extend our sincere thanks for their generous support and commitment to bridging cultural divides and amplifying diverse narratives.