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Applications for the 2026 residency programme are now closed.
Check back early next year for details of the 2027 programme.
START PREPARING FOR 2027
The residency is typically for five Aotearoa storytellers whose work reflects positive and/or progressive ways of thinking about people, community and the environment.
If you're a professional, mid-career to senior Aotearoa-based storyteller who works in fiction or non-fiction (poet, novellist, playwright, librettist, biographer, essayist, screenwriter, digital media content creator or other), and whose work reflects positive and/or progressive ways of thinking about people, community and the environment, we'd love to hear from you.
All art forms that use words as a base are eligible, and local storytellers are welcome to apply too.
Applications will open in the second quarter of 2027.
WHAT WE OFFER
10 days in your own beach bach at beautiful Ōtaki on the stunning Kāpiti Coast.
Travel support to and from Ōtaki (within Aotearoa). This is discussed in more depth with successful applicants, but we intend to ensure travel costs are not a barrier.
A comprehensive ‘care’ package provided by our local community and partners. This includes groceries, provisions and other essentials. The five beach-baches are donated by the Ōtaki community. Sponsorship, both cash and in-kind, is also received directly from our community.
Please note, this is not a paid residency.
WHAT IS ASKED OF YOU?
You can work on anything of your choosing!
Alongside the opportunity for selected storytellers to create in a relaxing beach environment, we’re seeking a modest reciprocal sharing of ideas and inspiration between our IOWŌ storytellers and our community.
If your application is successful, you’re required to take part in two curated community events: one designed specifically for you, and one for the community that involves all five residents.
These events are based on your existing work, designed to minimise preparation and include:
A small bespoke gathering
We’d love to share your unique take on reflecting positive and/or progressive ideas with people in our community. We’ll work with you around your special interest area to curate an interaction with Ōtaki residents/groups who share your interests.
This can use your existing material. Participants are limited in number and the event will take no more than two hours. Once successful applicants are confirmed, we’ll tailor these events in conversation with you.
A public event
We’ll create a public event for our community that involves IOWŌ and local storytellers. This event will also take around two hours of your time.
RESIDENCY FAQs
Successful applicants are provided with further information upon their selection. However, some general FAQs are provided here.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY MID-CAREER/SENIOR PRACTITIONER?
You’ll need to have at least one work already published or publicly available - and provide a link to this in your application.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY POSITIVE OR PROGRESSIVE WAS OF THINKING?
We’re looking for professional storytellers who actively explore and communicate new positive ways of thinking, small or large, around people, community and/or the environment, who can meaningfully engage with our community. You might do this through fiction or non-fiction - poetry, novels, film, plays, librettos or digital media content, using humour, satire or other styles - any creative use of words.
You could be a garden writer, playwright, essayist, composer, children’s author, science writer, screen writer, journalist, blogger or a poet for example. We’re open to all forms - you just need to let us know how your work contributes to positive and/or progressive ways of thinking about people, community, or the environment.
DO I HAVE TO WORK ON SOMETHING RELATED TO THE RESIDENCY?
No. You can work on whatever you like.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE PART IN THE TWO EVENTS?
Yes please – we’re aiming for reciprocity with these residencies. It’s a chance to share with our community.
However, besides the two events intended (of no more than two hours duration each), your time on the residency will be your own.
CAN I BRING MY FAMILY?
Residencies are courtesy of bach owners and designed to provide a quiet space for working, so not designed for families. Exceptional circumstances are discussed on a case-by-case basis.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BACHES AND WILL THEY BE WARM?
The facilities available are determined by the particular bach you’re allocated. However, all will have kitchen/bathroom facilities and at least one bedroom. They’re also all very close to the beach.
The baches made available will all be assessed prior – and warm and dry is a priority!
WHAT HAPPENS IF I BREAK OR DAMAGE SOMETHING AT THE BACH?
We’re providing insurance and public liability cover for bach owners. You may be required to cover the excess.
I HAVE ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES – IS THIS SUITABLE FOR ME?
Please make note of any special requirements you have on the application form, including specifics such as you require a carer to accompany you, use a wheelchair or have a guide dog. We will do our best to accommodate where possible.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE TO SELL MY WORK?
Yes – we have the wonderful Books & Co - and we offer sales at the Sunday 13 September event.
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