Writers’ Residence Amsterdam

Who can apply: Publishers, on behalf of authors 

For whom: Literary authors 

For what: Writing residency 

Duration: Four weeks 

Deadline: Continuous  

Since 2006, many writers have been inspired at and by this fascinating spot at the heart of the city. It is where John Green wrote his famous novel 'The Fault in Our Stars', where Polish author and Nobel Prize laureate Olga Tokarczuk worked on her novel 'Flights', and where South African author Etienne van Heerden completed his ‘30 Nights in Amsterdam’. The inspiring surroundings and rich literary culture of the city continue to provide guest writers with a fruitful environment. 

The residency period lasts around four weeks. The guest writers use their time in Amsterdam for their own work and research, but they are also involved in the city’s literary and cultural life.  It is encouraged to give public performances, lectures and/or interviews during this time. The Dutch Foundation for Literature can provide advice on potential timing spots. 

The writers’ residence is located in the heart of Amsterdam, at the square called ‘het Spui’. The Spui square was once a body of water that formed the southern limit of the city, until 1882, when it was filled in. Being built in 1693, the former canal-side house, in which the residency apartment is located on the top floor, now overlooks the vibrant square, which hosts a literary market (on Fridays) and an art market (on Sundays).  

The residence is surrounded by several well-known cafés and lively street life. For authors seeking a quiet or secluded retreat, this residency may therefore not be ideal. Many authors, however, experience the apartment as the best of both worlds: a spacious retreat in the middle of the bustling city.  

Please note: the apartment is located on the third floor and accessible by a steep staircase. As a result, the residency is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.  

Authors whose work has been translated into Dutch, by a Dutch literary publishing house, are eligible. This can include novelists, poets and children’s books writers. 

Applications will be assessed based on the writer's motivation and its connection to the Netherlands.' Most guest writers spend their time in Amsterdam not just to write or to do research, but also to promote the translation of one of their books or to attend a literary festival. Keep in mind that most writers selected for the programme have a specific reason for coming to Amsterdam. 

A residency grant of € 1.350 is included. There is no separate grant for travel costs. 

Applications can be submitted both by literary publishing houses and by authors.  

Literary publishers abroad and in the Netherlands are welcome to recommend authors under their representation for the residency programme. Publishers can contact us directly by e‑mail (residencies@letterenfonds.nl). Within the application, please explain why the author would be a suitable candidate and how the literary project relates to the Dutch literary field. We will review the recommendation and reply in due course. Please note that authors that have not found a Dutch publisher yet, do not meet the programme's requirements.   

Due to large interest in the residency, we unfortunately cannot answer every email. We apologize in advance.  

If you wish to apply on behalf of yourself, as an author, please send in a literary resume, a description of your project and explanation of how it relates to this specific location and/ or the Dutch literary field.  

• April – May: Georgi Gospodinov (Bulgaria) 

• March – April: Roland Colastica (Curaçao) 

• February – March: Stefaan Van Brabandt (Belgium) 

On the YouTube-channel of the Dutch Foundation for Literature you will find many short videos of our previous writers in residence.