The Jan Michalski Foundation Residency for Writers 2027 offers an inspiring creative environment in Switzerland for writers, translators, and literary creators from around the world. Located at the foothills of the Swiss Jura Mountains in Montricher, the residency provides selected participants with dedicated time, space, and financial support to focus entirely on their literary projects.
Designed to encourage international exchange and artistic development, the program welcomes both emerging and established writers working in different literary fields and languages. Each year, around 40 authors from across the globe receive the opportunity to develop novels, poetry, translations, creative non-fiction, and other writing projects in a peaceful natural setting overlooking Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Jura landscape.
A special portion of the residency places emphasis on nature writing, supporting projects that explore environmental awareness, sustainability, and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Jan Michalski Foundation Residency 2027 Overview
| Program Name | Jan Michalski Foundation Residency for Writers 2027 |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Jan Michalski Foundation |
| Location | Montricher, Switzerland |
| Eligible Applicants | Writers, translators, and literary creators worldwide |
| Nationality Requirement | No nationality restrictions |
| Age Limit | No age restrictions |
| Duration | Two weeks to three months |
| Financial Support | Travel expenses + CHF 400 weekly allowance |
| Accommodation | Private writing cabin provided |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 (5 PM Swiss Time) |
| Application Opens | 2 June 2026 |
| Selected Candidates Announced | December 2026 |
| First Arrivals | Mid-January 2027 |
About the Jan Michalski Foundation Residency
The Jan Michalski Foundation created this residency program to support literary creation by giving writers an opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities and dedicate focused time to their work.
The Foundation includes seven unique residential cabins suspended beneath an architectural canopy. These private spaces are specially designed for writers and translators, providing a quiet environment suitable for beginning a new project, continuing ongoing work, or completing a manuscript.
The residency is open to different forms of literary expression and accepts applications from writers working in any language. However, priority is given to literary authors and translators whose projects are strongly connected to writing and literature.
Selected residents may participate individually or as pairs when their projects involve collaboration, such as:
- Writer and translator collaborations
- Two writers working together
- Writers working with professionals from other creative disciplines
Location of the Residency
The Jan Michalski Foundation is situated in Montricher, Switzerland, near the Swiss Jura Mountains. The peaceful village location provides an ideal atmosphere for creative work while remaining accessible from major cities.
- Approximately 30 minutes from Lausanne
- Around one hour from Geneva
- Accessible by train from Morges
Among the seven cabins:
- Six cabins provide views of Lake Geneva and the Alps
- One cabin faces the forested Jura mountain slopes
- An additional shared cabin functions as a kitchen and community space where residents can prepare meals, interact, and exchange ideas
The natural surroundings make the residency especially suitable for writers interested in landscape, ecology, and environmental themes.
Duration of Stay
Residencies are available for different periods depending on the requirements of the applicant’s project.
Selected writers may stay for:
- Two weeks
- One month
- Two months
- Three months
Applicants can request their preferred period; however, the final duration is decided by the Foundation according to project requirements and available spaces.
Eligibility Criteria for Jan Michalski Residency 2027
The residency welcomes writers from diverse backgrounds. Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Open to writers involved in literary creation
- Translators are encouraged to apply
- Applicants from all nationalities are eligible
- No age restrictions apply
- Beginners and emerging writers can apply
- Previous residents cannot submit another application
The program primarily focuses on literature, but applications from other disciplines may also be considered when literature remains central to the project.
Accommodation and Benefits
The Jan Michalski Foundation provides selected residents with extensive support to allow them to concentrate fully on their creative work.
Financial Support
Selected residents receive:
- Coverage of travel expenses between their home address and the Foundation
- A weekly allowance of CHF 400
Accommodation Facilities
Residents receive:
- A private cabin for independent living and writing
- Separate cabins for each participant in collaborative projects
- Access to a library during daytime hours
- Opportunities to participate in cultural activities organized by the Foundation
Additional Facilities
Residents also benefit from:
- Breakfast and lunch provided by the Foundation
- A grocery shop available in the village
- Free electric bikes for transportation
- Easy access to Montricher train station located about two kilometers away
Please note that the Foundation cannot accommodate families, children, or pets. Residency periods cannot be divided into multiple visits during the year.
A cabin suitable for people with reduced mobility is available. Applicants requiring accessibility support should mention their needs in the application form.
Nature Writing Focus
The residency reserves some places specifically for nature writing projects.
Nature writing includes fiction and creative non-fiction that explores:
- The connection between humans and ecosystems
- Environmental challenges
- Sustainable futures
- The impact of human activities on nature
- Social and ecological relationships
Through this focus, the Foundation aims to encourage literary works that increase awareness of environmental issues and inspire deeper understanding of the natural world.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed according to three main factors:
1. Literary Quality of the Project
The evaluation committee considers the originality, strength, and artistic value of the proposed writing project.
2. Applicant’s Background
The professional experience, previous publications, and literary journey of candidates are considered. For beginners, the quality of the project and motivation presented in the application are especially important.
3. Suitability of Residency Duration
The requested stay should match the scale and needs of the proposed project.
A panel of experts chaired by Mrs. Vera Michalski-Hoffmann reviews applications and makes the final selection decisions.
Applicants will receive notification regarding the jury’s decision. The Foundation does not provide individual explanations for unsuccessful applications.
Application Timeline for 2027 Residency
Important dates:
- 2 June 2026: Online application forms become available
- 31 August 2026: Application deadline (5 PM Swiss Time)
- December 2026: Selected candidates announced
- Mid-January 2027: First group of residents arrives
How to Apply for Jan Michalski Foundation Residency 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the official application system.
Applicants should:
- Complete the online application form
- Provide all required information and documents
- Submit details about their literary project
- Include writing samples or excerpts from current or published work
Important points:
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Applications can be submitted in English or French
- Writing samples may be submitted in any language
- Applications cannot be edited or additional documents added after submission
Apply online through the official residency application portal:
https://fondation-janmichalski.com/en/residences/postuler
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Jan Michalski Residency?
Writers, translators, and literary creators from any country can apply. There are no age or nationality restrictions.
Is the residency fully funded?
The Foundation provides accommodation, travel cost coverage, meals, and a weekly allowance of CHF 400.
Can beginner writers apply?
Yes. The residency accepts applications from emerging writers as well as experienced authors.
What is the maximum duration of the residency?
Selected residents can stay for up to three months.
Can previous residents apply again?
No. Former residents are not eligible to submit another application.
Are families allowed during the residency?
No. The Foundation cannot accommodate families, children, or pets.
Conclusion
The Jan Michalski Foundation Residency for Writers 2027 is a valuable opportunity for writers seeking uninterrupted time, professional support, and an inspiring environment to develop literary projects. With private writing cabins, financial assistance, access to cultural resources, and a peaceful Swiss landscape, the residency supports creative voices from around the world.
Writers and translators who want to dedicate focused time to their literary work are encouraged to prepare their applications before the 31 August 2026 deadline.
