Tukums UNESCO City of Literature is launching its first international Writer-in-Residence Programme at Jaunpils Castle in the Tukums region of Latvia. Writers, poets, playwrights, translators, screenwriters, literary researchers, critics, literary project developers and creative tandems connected to Leeuwarden UNESCO City of Literature (living in Friesland) are invited to apply.
The residency takes place in October 2026. Selected participants live and work there for two to four weeks. The residency Jaunpils Rakstnieku pils occupies the quiet eastern wing of the castle. Two well-equipped apartments, each with its own kitchen and bathroom, can host two to four creatives at a time.
The castle carries seven hundred years of history. It is where the Enlightenment thinker and writer Eliza von der Recke (1754–1833) began her literary career. The calm, the spacious and elegant rooms and the surroundings make it an inspiring place to work. Residents also have access to a library and a special lunch offer in the castle’s medieval pub.
Application deadline: 30 June 2026.
Full information and the complete programme description.
You can download the application form here.
Questions about the residency? Email unescojaunpils@gmail.com.
