We will be accepting applications for 2027-2028
from October 1, 2026- January 11, 2027.
James Merrill Writer-in-Residence Application Process
Selection Criteria:
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Eligibility: Writers or scholars with a specific project of literary or academic merit, committed to a full-time 2 or 4 or 6 week residence in Stonington.
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Genres Accepted: Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and plays. Please note that the residency is not intended for the completion of one’s dissertation.
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Community Contribution: Applicants should be willing to engage with the community, which may include a reading or a workshop. We also film each writer for our archive in the Studio 107 series. We welcome suggestions from applicants on how to reinforce the community’s ties to writing, poetry, and James Merrill’s legacy.
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Integrity and Responsibility: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to be entrusted with the Merrill Apartment and its contents.
Overview:
We have six residencies available for 2027–2028.
PLEASE NOTE: We are undergoing major renovation work this year, so we are not yet sure exactly when the residencies will be held. We expect to have a better sense of the scope and timeline of the work by the time the application period ends.
Please indicate your preferred months on your application, but understand that the exact residency dates for this cycle have not yet been determined.
The Writer-in-Residence program includes a stipend of $1,100 per month, prorated according to the length of stay.
Applications:
We accept applications for the 2027-2028 residencies from October 1, 2026 to Monday, January 11, 2027. Decisions will be made by mid-March.
A complete application includes the following documents:
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A resume of four or fewer pages.
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A writing or work sample of ten or fewer pages.
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A statement of your plan of work while in Stonington, CT.
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Two letters of reference (due by the deadline)
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If applicable, a brief biographical sketch of a spouse or partner who will reside in the apartment with you. Please note that we do not allow pets or children, and the apartment is located on the third floor, accessible only by stairs.
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A $30 application fee. Unfortunately, we do not allow fee exemptions.
Please direct inquiries about the application process or application status to Bergin O'Malley at this email
