Residency Program
El Gouna Writers’ Residency was launched in February, 2010. El Gouna would host three sessions a year during the months of February, May and June. The length of each session is one month.
During each session four to six writers will enjoy a complimentary stay full month stay at El Gouna. Writers will be inspired by El Gouna’s picturesque setting and will be given a memorable, intellectual opportunity to interact with writers from different walks of life.
Accommodation
Each writer will be invited to enjoy full-board accommodation in a single, tailor-furnished hotel room at El Gouna. All rooms are designed to act as both a bedroom and a private writing space that is equipped with a spacious desk and free wireless internet connection. For further comfort and privacy, each room has a coffee and tea set with kettle and each writer will be provided with two bottles of mineral water. Other drinks may be purchased from the room’s mini bar.
Meals
Writers can enjoy their breakfast at the hotel restaurant any time during breakfast buffet hours, while dinner will be served from 7pm – 8pm at a designated table in the hotel restaurant. Each writer will have a lunch box delivered to his/her room to minimize distraction and help the writers maintain their working schedule during the day.
A gathering between all the writers will take place every day for 1 hour from
6pm – 7pm in the communal room, to encourage additional social and intellectual exchange. During the gathering, the writers will be provided with hot drinks.
Writers are requested to cover any additional food and beverage requests should they wish to enjoy their meals at other times.
Amenities
Upon arrival, an orientation will be organized to acquaint the writers with the town and all the service facilities available, i.e. transportation options inside El Gouna, hospital, super-markets…, etc.
Transportation to and from Hurghada International Airport is arranged for all the writers, as well as hotel pick-up to any planned activity inside El Gouna.
Writers will be granted access to the El Gouna library and all its facilities at all times.
Residency Manager
A dedicated Writers’ Residency Manager will be coordinating all activities and can be easily reached by telephone or e-mail to ensure full comfort and satisfaction of all writers.
Reading Event
Writers will be expected to participate in a Reading Event held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria) branch of El Gouna. The multinational audience invited to attend will include various reporters as well as interested intellectuals residing or visiting Egypt. The Reading Event will be presented in either English or French.
Dates of Reading Events:
* February Session: Friday, February 18th
* May Session: Friday, May 20th
* June Session: Friday, June 24th
Each event will consist of a meeting with the writers followed by the reading session and an open discussion.
* From 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm : meeting with the writers
* From 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm: reading session
* From 8:45 pm: - 9:00 pm : open discussion
Writers Reports
By the end of the residency, writers are expected to provide a report highlighting the development of the literary project they have been working on, as well as any comments related to the El Gouna Writers' Residency.
Disclaimer
The Writers Residency Board of Advisors reserves the right to disqualify any writer who will not comply with the residency program indicated above.
We encourage writers to donate their books to the El Gouna library. All books donated by the writers will be placed in a special dedicated section in the El Gouna library, which is open to the public.
How to Apply
The deadline for submitting the application for the 2011 May and June sessions is December 15, 2010. Results will be announced January 30, 2011 for the second the third sessions.
All applicants must specify two preferences for the time of their residency; successful applicants will be offered the first available spot in accordance to their preference. Travel arrangements to the nearby Hurghada International Airport, will be the responsibility of the accepted writers.
To apply, please fill in the downloadable application form, then scan and e-mail the completed application form along with the material listed below to writers.residency@elgouna.com
* Biographical sketch including publications, performances and writing credits
* Ten page sample of your latest work.
* One-page description of the work to be undertaken while at the Residency
* Two letters of recommendation e-mailed directly to the e-mail address mentioned above
* If the applicant has a publishing contract for the project in process, he/ she should kindly state this
Eligibility
* El Gouna Writers' Residency is open to international writers who have published books in the categories of novels, short stories, poetry or plays
* Writers should have a specific project they will be developing or completing at the Residency
* Regardless of the country of origin, the applicant must be fluent in speaking either English or French
Selection Criteria
El Gouna Writers’ Residency program mainly focuses on the professional experience of writers, quality of past work and their potential to have a productive residency in El Gouna.
Major factors in making the selection will be the literary achievement of the applicant to date and the ability to produce a work of substantial literary quality. The trustees and their advisers will make the final selection.
More information here.
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