**At the heart of Amsterdam, overlooking the Spui square, lies the Dutch Foundation for Literature’s writers’ residence. For over twenty years, the Foundation has welcomed authors from all over the world to the lively historic city center. The residency is situated in the academic and literary heart of Amsterdam, with the University of Amsterdam library around the corner and the famous Athenaeum Bookshop downstairs. International authors whose work has been published in Dutch are eligible. Publishing houses, both Dutch and international, can recommend an author that has a project which might be interesting for the Dutch literary scene.**

**Who can apply:** Publishers, on behalf of authors 

**For whom**: Literary authors 

**For what**: Writing residency 

Since 2006, many writers have been inspired at and by this fascinating spot at the heart of the city. It is where John Green wrote his famous novel 'The Fault in Our Stars', where Polish author and Nobel Prize laureate Olga Tokarczuk worked on her novel 'Flights', and where South African author Etienne van Heerden completed his ‘30 Nights in Amsterdam’. The inspiring surroundings and rich literary culture of the city continue to provide guest writers with a fruitful environment. 

The residency period lasts around four weeks. The guest writers use their time in Amsterdam for their own work and research, but they are also involved in the city’s literary and cultural life.  It is encouraged to give public performances, lectures and/or interviews during this time. The Dutch Foundation for Literature can provide advice on potential timing spots.

Nieuwe Prinsengracht 89, 1018 VR Amsterdam, Niederlande

A residency grant of € 1.350 is included. There is no separate grant for travel costs. 

**The apartment**

The writers’ residence is located in the heart of Amsterdam, at the square called ‘het Spui’. The Spui square was once a body of water that formed the southern limit of the city, until 1882, when it was filled in. Being built in 1693, the former canal-side house, in which the residency apartment is located on the top floor, now overlooks the vibrant square, which hosts a literary market (on Fridays) and an art market (on Sundays).  

The residence is surrounded by several well-known cafés and lively street life. For authors seeking a quiet or secluded retreat, this residency may therefore not be ideal. Many authors, however, experience the apartment as the best of both worlds: a spacious retreat in the middle of the bustling city.

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