Call for Expression of Interest

This unique residency offers the opportunity for a writer to work both with and among local residents over a six-week period. The aim of the residency is to foster a greater appreciation for Canadian writers and creative writing through innovative public programs that will engage readers and writers across generations and cultures

All forms of literary genre are welcome. For 2026, we are particularly interested in working with an author whose experience includes:

• Children’s literature, possibly including illustration*
• Science-fiction and/or fantasy
• Themes of Queer joy

*Authors and illustrators are welcome and encouraged to apply as a pair.

We also welcome applications from authors in other genres; for example: popular fiction, mystery, poetry, memoir, drama, short stories and/or literary journalism.

Submit an Expression of Interest with the contents outlined below as a Word document or PDF to: WriterInResidence@richmond.ca

Applications Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 10:00 AM (PST)

Expression of Interest Contents

1. Cover Letter
Please include a clear plan for approximately 50-70 hours public programming during the residency. Multiple one-day workshops and/or a longer series of workshops will be considered. Please also include a loose plan for a final celebration that will bring together program participants and the public together to share writing produced in the program.

Program proposals should address themes the applicant may wish to engage with and explore.

Applicants are encouraged to identify some of the innovative ways their residency could foster an appreciation for reading and writing and how their residency could involve communities not typically exposed to Canadian literature.

2. Resumé
Please include a history of literary publications, previous community engagement experience, teaching experiences, conducting library programs, facilitating workshops and/or other forms of public presentation.

3. References
Please submit contact information (phone number and email address) for two references. Once a short-list of candidates has been determined, the selection committee will contact the provided references from each of the short-listed applicants.

4. Writing Sample
Please provide a 20−30 page (max.) sample of recent writing, along with reviews of earlier works.

Required:

• Eligible to work in Canada
• A minimum of one traditionally published title
• Comfortable and willing to engage with the public one-on-one and in group settings
• Comfortable working with a variety of ages, including youth, adults and seniors

• Professional teaching or public speaking experience
• Active participant in the local writing community
• In the early working stage of a new writing project intended for book-length publication

We encourage applications from writers from all walks of life, in all career stages and from under-represented communities including Indigenous, Black, people of colour, 2SLGBTQI+, mixed abilities and other non-dominant groups. We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if they feel comfortable in doing so.

• The Writer-in-Residence will receive $5,000 for the work between April 4, 2026 and June 13, 2026 (contract position).
• The successful candidate will be responsible for finding their own accommodation and transportation.
• Note: if you choose to apply as a pair, the remuneration and hours will be divided between the two applicants at a ratio agreed upon by the applicants and the Writer-in-Residence staff.

Past Richmond Writers-in-Residence include: Audrey Thomas, Lindi Nolte, Sonya Lalli, Lindsay Wong, Cynthia Sharp, Andrew Battershill, Nilofar Shidmehr, Karen X. Tulchinsky, Sally Stubbs, Mark Leiren-Young, Nancy Lee and Caroline Adderson

The Richmond Public Library and the Richmond Cultural Centre are located a few steps from each other in a veritable hub of activity in the Minoru Precinct. Located in the heart of Richmond’s downtown core, just 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver, these two facilities are a short walk from the Canada Line’s Brighouse Station and easily accessible on transit.

Richmond Public Library (RPL) has been proudly serving the Richmond community since 1976. RPL offers four branches open 7 days a week as well as two book dispensers and a wealth of information that is available 24/7 at yourlibrary.ca. Its mission is to create opportunities for the community to learn, connect and belong.

The Richmond Cultural Centre is the City’s arts education and creation hub for courses, events, organizations and artists. Arts Programs in the Richmond Cultural Centre include a variety of courses taught by accomplished artist instructors. It is also home to a number of local Resident Arts Groups and connects the arts with communities through a range of programs and events.