Writing Change provides a place for young writers to explore the intersections of climate, creativity, and self in a land-based community setting. Our goal is for participating writers to emerge from the residency feeling restored, empowered, and inspired to advance their writing careers and practices in the face of a changing climate.
At Wintergreen we are acutely aware that the next generation of young artists requires the creative space to process and transform feelings of climate related anxiety into the foundations for future action and change. With a focus on hope, wellness, inspiration, connection to nature, and the ritualization of the everyday, this residency aims to support and motivate young writers to recognize the resilience both in themselves and in the world around them . . . by writing change.
ABOUT THE RESIDENCY
Writing Change is open to emerging writers, aged 19-29, interested in a short-term writing residency at Wintergreen Studios, a wilderness retreat centre in South Frontenac Township, ON, under an hour from Kingston.
This short-term residency (4 days, 3 nights) coincides with our seasonal Land Art BioBlitz (LABB) offerings, when educators and experts converge to facilitate a range of land-based learning opportunities for students, community groups, and the general public. It’s during this unique time that we invite young writers to our site to enjoy private writing space as well as joining a remarkable group of climate leaders and changemakers for communal meals, conversation around the campfire, and participation in select workshops and events.
Below is a sample schedule, subject to change.
Wednesday
Join us on site to meet the Wintergreen Team as well as your fellow Writing Change Writer-in-residence who will be staying in a cabin adjacent to you (5 min walk)! You can expect a residency orientation and site tour upon arrival and our team will help you get settled into your cabin. We encourage you to relax on your first afternoon on site and then to join us for a group meal at the Lodge that evening.
Thursday and Friday
These will be your days for focused writing. Your Writing Mentor will be on site to meet you in person and discuss your plans for the next few days. We encourage you to use this special time as you see fit in accordance with your goals for the Residency.
Saturday
Your final day at Wintergreen Studios will include your last optional check-in with your Writing Mentor. We encourage you to make the most of this culminating day and your time on the property, ensuring you leave Wintergreen feeling refreshed and happy with how you have advanced your writing goals!
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested applicants are asked to fill out an application form by March 3, 2025 that includes a proposal for residency focus, writing sample, and CV/resume. Previous publications are not required. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for a scholarship for the residency. Scholarships range from 50% - 100% support.
Short-listed candidates can expect a response from Wintergreen Studios by March 17, 2025. They will then be invited to interview with the Residency Selection Committee and will be expected to provide two references.
Successful applicants will be contacted and attend an online pre-residency orientation meeting with staff and their Writing Mentor. Participants will have access to a writing mentor leading up to and during their residency.
SUPPORT A YOUNG WRITER
Wintergreen Studios is pleased to be able to welcome two young writers during the residency period in May 2025. The cost of the residency is $800 per writer. Scholarships (for up to the full amount) are available for qualified applicants.
Nourished by the healing landscape and community at Wintergreen Studios, these writers are provided with accommodation at one of our cabin studios, support from a writing mentor, unique land-based learning opportunities, and nourishing food from Wintergreen’s gourmet kitchen. Inspiring programs, environments, and people round out the experience.
Are you excited by this program and able to help fund participating writers? If so, we invite you to donate to the Scholarship Fund.
Simply choose Scholarship Fund from the Fund drop down below Donation Amount. All donations toward the Scholarship Fund will be applied directly to Writing Change Residencies in 2025 and beyond.