2016 Shanghai International Writers’ Programme

Applications are now open for
2016 Shanghai International Writers’ Programme

Michael King Writers’ Centre
New Zealand China Friendship Society

Media Release
25 February 2016

New Zealand's literary exchange with China continues with the call for applications from New Zealand writers to attend the international writers programme run by the Shanghai Writers’ Association in September and October 2016.

The successful writer will receive free accommodation in an inner-city apartment, a small stipend for living expenses and return economy class air travel.

For the first time, New Zealand screenwriters may apply.

This opportunity is available through a partnership between the New Zealand China Friendship Society, the Michael King Writers’ Centre, the Shanghai Writers’ Association, and Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Since the exchange began in 2013, two Chinese writers have enjoyed a residency at the Michael King Writers’ Centre on the slopes of Mount Victoria at Devonport in Auckland. In 2013 Huo Yan, a young writing star from Beijing, took up the first Rewi Alley Fellowship and in 2015 acclaimed novelist Xiao Bai from Shanghai was the second resident.

In 2014 Alison Wong was the first New Zealand writer selected to join the international writers’ programme. Alison writes of her experience: “The Shanghai International Writers’ Programme was invaluable as research for my new book, but also for stimulating fresh creativity and inquiry through exposure to a completely different environment, language and culture. The connections made, whether with Chinese or other international writers were personally and professionally rewarding. I recommend the residency to writers with a sense of adventure and curiosity.

Writers are invited to take part in discussions and literary events and are required to write an article on a nominated theme before the residency starts. Apart from that obligation, the writers are able to work on a project of their choice.

Up to seven writers from all over the world are in the programme each year. Many celebrated writers have taken part, including Malaysian Tash Aw, who was long-listed for the 2013 Man Booker Prize.

New Zealand applications close on Thursday 31st March at 5pm and should be emailed to the Michael King Writers’ Centre. Application details can be found on the MKWC website athttp://writerscentre.org.nz/international_residency.php, or on request via email to the centre, and atwww.nzchinasociety.org.nz. The selection will be managed by a panel appointed by the Michael King Writers’ Centre and the NZ China Friendship Society.

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