Deadline: 10 October 2010
Residency Program
El Gouna Writers’ Residency was launched in February, 2010. El Gouna would host three sessions a year during the months of February, May and June. The length of each session is one month.
During each session four to six writers will enjoy a complimentary stay full month stay at El Gouna. Writers will be inspired by El Gouna’s picturesque setting and will be given a memorable, intellectual opportunity to interact with writers from different walks of life.
Accommodation
Each writer will be invited to enjoy full-board accommodation in a single, tailor-furnished room at El Gouna. All Rooms are designed to act as both a bedroom and a private writing space that is equipped with a spacious desk and wireless internet connection. For further comfort and privacy, the facility will feature mini-bars, boilers and microwaves. Breakfast and dinner will be served in a communal dinning room, to encourage additional social and intellectual exchange...
Complimentary access to some of El Gouna's leisure facilities (beaches, swimming pools, fitness center, etc), dinners in El Gouna’s various venues that feature live entertainment and transport to and from Hurghada International Airport are some of the highlights of the residency. A dedicated Writers’ Residency Manager will be coordinating all activities and can be easily reached by telephone or e-mail to ensure full comfort and satisfaction of all writers.
Publicity
In order to generate publicity for the residency, the writers will be expected to participate in a Reading Event held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria) branch of El Gouna. The multinational audience invited to attend will include various reporters as well as interested intellectuals residing or visiting Egypt. The Reading Event will be presented in either English or French.
All books dedicated by the writers will be placed in the El Gouna Library that is open to the public.
Writers Reports
By the end of the residency, writers are expected to provide a report highlighting the development of the literary project they have been working on, as well as any comments related to the El Gouna Writers' Residency.
How To Apply
The deadline for submitting the application for the three sessions of the 2011 residencies is October 10, 2010. Results will be announced in November 2010.
All applicants must specify two preferences for the time of their residency; successful applicants will be offered the first available spot in accordance to their preference. Travel arrangements to the nearby Hurghada International Airport, will be the responsibility of the accepted writers.
To apply, please fill in the downloadable application form, then scan and e-mail the completed application form along with the material listed below to writers.residency@elgouna.com
* Biographical sketch including publications, performances and writing credits
* Ten page sample of your latest work.
* One-page description of the work to be undertaken while at the Residency
* Two letters of recommendation e-mailed directly to the e-mail address mentioned above
* If the applicant has a publishing contract for the project in process, he/ she should kindly state this
Eligibility
* El Gouna Writers' Residency is open to international writers who have published books in the categories of novels, short stories, poetry or plays
* Writers should have a specific project they will be developing or completing at the Residency
* Regardless of the country of origin, the applicant must be fluent in speaking either English or French
Selection Criteria
El Gouna Writers’ Residency program mainly focuses on the professional experience of writers, quality of past work and their potential to have a productive residency in El Gouna.
Major factors in making the selection will be the literary achievement of the applicant to date and the ability to produce a work of substantial literary quality. The trustees and their advisers will make the final selection.
Download the application form here.