The Château de Lavigny Grant Fellowship
The writer and literary translator’s residence is open from May to October and is able to host a maximum of six writers per session. To be eligible writers and literary translators must be published (min. one book – self published not accepted), playwrights and scriptwriters must be published or produced.
What does the residency contain?
- The writers are provided with a private room in the Chateau.
- The residents are responsible for buying and preparing their own meals. In the evening, an aperitif is offered by the management to the residents to allow them to get together and chat. Once a week a dinner is prepared and offered by the management.
- Residents are left in peace to work and can plan their time as they wish.
- One public reading is organized every session where residents present their work.
- It is possible to apply together with a spouse/partner, but only if both are writers (or literary translators). Both should submit an application file.
- Each session lasts four weeks.
Who can apply?
A writer must have published at least one book (not self-published) in any of the following creative fields:
- Fiction
- Creative nonfiction
- Poetry
- Literary translation
- Plays
- Screenplays
Regardless of country of origin, the applicant must be fluent in either English or French, as exchanges among writers from many different countries are a key feature of our residence. Residents will also interact with the public at a reading of their work in either language.
Please also note that the château is difficult of access for people with mobility issues.
The sessions last four weeks. Writers must apply for a specific session and are asked to indicate second and third choices. However, the latter choices should be dates that would also work for the applicant. While all efforts will be made to satisfy a first choice, it is not always possible and in no way reflects an evaluation of the writer.
The deadline to apply for 2027 is 15 October 15 2026
For institutions interested in either sponsoring a writer or a fellowship at Chateau de Lavigny, please contact the residence’s director Sophie Kandaouroff at contact@chateaudelavigny.ch