The Elizabeth Kostova Foundation invites women writers from Bulgaria and other European countries to apply for the third edition of Women in the Mountains residency, from 1 to 10 August 2025, in the mountain town of Chepelare, Bulgaria.
The residency is designed to provide time and space for deep creative work, professional and cross-cultural exchange, socialisation, and support. It also seeks to address challenges commonly faced by women writers, such as the undervaluing of writing as a profession, the perception of literature by women as less valuable, and the cultural expectation that women prioritise caregiving over their creative pursuits.
The call is open to authors of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama in Bulgarian and other languages. A total of 11 applicants will be selected, including two priority spots for women writers living in war zones and refugee writers, as well as one spot for a Lithuanian writer, provided by the Lithuanian Writers’ Union.
The residency is open to women over the age of 18 living in Bulgaria and other European countries. While participants do not need to be published authors, experience in creative writing is required, along with the submission of original material. Proficiency in English is not mandatory, but a conversational level is recommended for full engagement. Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously attended an artist residency.
Successful candidates will receive:
- Private accommodation in the town of Chepelare;
- Full board for the duration of the residency;
- Coverage of all transportation expenses;
- Group meetings with mentors;
- Group activities for body and mind (yoga, readings, games);
- Organised mountain walks and an alpine zip line ride;
- Participation in a literary reading;
- Social stipends for participants with additional needs.
