Applications Open for Prague International Residency 2026

The Prague City of Literature project has opened applications for its 2026 residency programme—an opportunity for foreign writers and translators to live and work in one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Since its launch in October 2015, the programme has welcomed authors from around the world to the heart of Prague, where historical architecture meets a vibrant, modern cultural scene.

Deadline: 18 August 2025, 12pm CET
Compensation: £1200 + sponsored travel + residency (including free accommodation and a stipend of €600 per month)

About the Residency

Eight two-month residencies are available for 2026, held in:

• January–February
• March–April
• May–June
• July–August
• September–October
• November–December

Residents are reimbursed for travel costs, receive free accommodation, and a monthly stipend of €600. In exchange, they are expected to work on their writing, immerse themselves in Prague’s literary life, and produce a text inspired by their stay. This work will be used by the Municipal Library in Prague to promote the residency programme.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Have at least one published literary work (not self-published), OR two broadcast/published radio dramas, OR one staged/published theatre play, OR at least one translated work of a Czech author.
• Possess basic English language skills.
• Be willing to participate in local cultural activities such as author readings, student meetings, and literary talks.
• Submit only unpublished projects (no ISBN or prior commercial sale).

Note: Authors who have previously received this scholarship are not eligible to apply.

Required Documents for the Prague International Residency

• Completed application form
• Optional: an extract from a published text (in Czech or English) or a sample of a translated work (max. 2 pages)

Applications close on 18 August 2025 and acceptances will be sent on 31 October 2025.

Inspiration from Past Residents

Past participants have included acclaimed writers and illustrators such as Sarah Perry (Norwich), Alejandro Pedregosa (Granada), and Bergrún Íris Sævarsdóttir (Reykjavík). In 2018, Edinburgh-based author David Whiteman used his residency to work on Black Hand, a historical novel set in Prague and on the Eastern Front of the First World War.

If you’d like to see examples of brilliant short fiction by African writers before applying, check out these collections:

• Recommended Short Stories by Oyet Sisto Ocen, Harriet Anena, and Uwem Akpan
• Recommended Stories Featuring Erica Sugo Anyadike, Adorah Nworah, and Helon Habila

How to Apply to the Prague International Residency

Visit the Prague City of Literature residency page for application details, eligibility criteria, and updates. You can also follow them on Facebook or email prague@cityofliterature.cz for further inquiries.