Writer in Residence

Our writer in residence program promotes Canadian writing and literature to Vancouver citizens. During the four-month residency from September to December, the writer spends 50% of their time working on their own project and 50% of their time mentoring emerging writers, conducting workshops and participating in other activities and programs to share their experience with the community.

Applications for the 2024 Writer in Residence position are closed.

See the Residency Information accordion below for more information.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Andrew Battershill at: andrew.battershill@vpl.ca

Residency Information

The Writer plays a creative and valuable role at the Library, using their experience to foster a greater public appreciation for Canadian writing. They provide the community with opportunities to interact with and learn from a published writer, especially communities not typically exposed to Canadian writing.

The Writer in Residence will develop and lead exciting public events that promote a love of writing and reading. They will support and provide advice to community members and aspiring writers through one-on-one consultations and group workshops.

This full-time position (35 hours/week) requires 50 percent of the Writer’s time be spent on library programs or projects, leaving 50 percent of the residency time available for working on their writing projects.

The Library would like to hear from you if you are:

A published Canadian writer with experience as a teacher, workshop leader, mentor, writer-in-residence, or editor
Enthusiastic about developing, presenting, and sharing your knowledge and craft through events with Vancouver Public Library. Events may be held in person, online, or both in order to maximize accessibility
Committed to participating in Vancouver Public Library and City of Vancouver events
Currently working on a writing project
Available on a full-time basis for the residency for a two-week planning period prior to June, 2024 and September 2 through December 8, 2024

In addition to your writing and public speaking experience you must also be able to:

Work independently and as part of a team with library staff
Comfortably interact with members of Vancouver’s diverse public, including youth and seniors
Deliver programs and consultations online, if required, working remotely through online environments, such as Zoom. VPL staff will be available to provide support for delivery of online programs
Participate in media opportunities to promote the residency, the library and Canadian writing
Prepare for and meet deadlines

The Writer in Residence will have three main responsibilities:

Spend time developing their own writing project
Lead literary and cultural events and other relevant programs for the general public of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
Support and assist new writers through online one-on-one meetings and group workshops

Contract terms: $22,000 for four months full-time activity ($5,500 per month on a self-employed basis).

Contract dates: Two-week planning period, Summer 2024 and September 2 through December 8, 2024