Melbourne City of Literature have opened applications for their virtual writers’ residency.

From poets to playwrights, this is an opportunity to get to know Melbourne’s vibrant and varied literary community up close by spending November working digitally with one of a varied group of creative organisations.

Click here for the full details.

Below is the list of organisations:

• 100 Story Building are looking for a writer who is excited by collaboration and working with young people.
• Artisans of Australia is seeking a writer excited to explore new interdisciplinary creative pathways within our artist-run community.
• Kickstart Arts is seeking a writer interested in the healing and/or reclamation possibilities of storytelling to share their knowledge and skills with our community.
• Melbourne Writers’ Theatre is looking for an experienced playwright to share their knowledge, their culture, and perhaps their latest play or script-in-progress with our community of enthusiastic playwrights.
• Moorabool Libraries seek a writer who is passionate about short stories, who can engage, inspire and guide writers of all ages, to foster a vibrant literary community in Moorabool.
• Neighbourhood Collective Australia is looking for a writer who is interested in writing about community, place making, stories and belonging.
• The Society of Women Writers Victoria is seeking a female writer to explore writing women’s stories in varying short forms.
• The Society of Women Writers Victoria is seeking a female writer to encourage our members to explore different short forms of writing.
• The Little Bookroom is seeking an author or illustrator to create connections with our readers and inspire them to undertake their own creative projects.
• The Victorian Pride Centre is looking for a writer drawn to queer identity, community, and place.

During the residency you will be asked to create content, and will have opportunities to meet other writers in residence. You will be paid $1500 (AUD) and will retain copyright for your work.

To be eligible you must be a writer resident in a UNESCO City of Literature.

To apply, you will be asked to nominate your preferred organisation and what you wish to do with them. Use this form to express interest.

Deadline: 17 August 2026.

Please Note: any queries about applications or eligibility should be directed to the Melbourne City of Literature team.