Tukums First International Writer-in-Residence Programme
Tukums – UNESCO City of Literature Residence “Jaunpils Writers' Palace”
We are now pleased to officially launch the first international Tukums UNESCO City of Literature Writer-in-Residence Programme, based at Jaunpils Castle in the Tukums region of Latvia, where the residency programme “Jaunpils Rakstnieku pils” (Jaunpils Writers’ Castle) is hosted, and are inviting writers, poets, playwrights and screenwriters connected to UNESCO Cities of Literature to apply.
The residency will take place in October 2026 and offers selected participants the opportunity to spend two or four weeks living and working in a private apartment within the castle, while engaging with the literary and cultural life of Tukums City of Literature and the wider region.
What We Offer
A 2–4 week stay at the Jaunpils Rakstnieku Pils, in a private, fully equipped apartment within a medieval castle.
A scholarship of €800 for a four-week residency, or €400 for a two-week residency (travel costs, insurance and visa fees are not covered).
Transport to and from Riga International Airport.
A dedicated contact person who coordinates accommodation, events, meetings, tours and
helps connect you to the local and national literary scene.
The opportunity to engage with Tukums region’s active cultural life and to participate in readings, festivals and other literary events.
An immersive encounter with one of Europe’s most storied literary landscapes.
How to Apply
Your application should include:
A completed Application Form.
A brief bio and list of published works.
A description of the project you plan to work on during the residency (up to 500 words).
A writing sample: an excerpt of up to 5 pages from a published or forthcoming work (in English or Latvian, or with an English translation).
Confirmation of your connection to a UNESCO City of Literature.
Application deadline: 30 June 2026
