Residencies
The KSP Writers’ Centre proudly supports Australian writers through annual residencies, continuing a 40+ year legacy that has fostered hundreds of award-winning publications across diverse genres. KSP’s annual literary, residency and fellowship programs are proudly sponsored by the KSP Foundation with generous support from the Shire of Mundaring, members, and partners.
Residency Benefits
-
Paid residency with CV credit and promotional exposure
-
Dedicated time and space to write in a peaceful, inspirational setting
-
Access to:
-
Katharine Susannah Prichard’s historic studio
-
Library and heritage walking trails
-
WIFI, complimentary printing, and writing groups
-
-
Welcome pack on arrival
-
Opportunity to sell books at KSP events (self-managed sales)
Benefits to KSP and the Community
In return, Writers are expected to:
-
Positively promote KSP as a key literary hub before, during, and after the residency
-
Engage the local community by delivering informative and inspiring literary events
Eligibility
-
Open to Australian writers who are current KSP members
-
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and regionally-based writers are strongly encouraged to apply
-
Specific criteria apply to each residency category (see category guidelines on this page)
Important Notes
-
Travel and food expenses are not covered
-
KSP is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers and part-time staff; all income raised by the Centre goes back into our programs and maintenance of heritage-listed buildings and grounds
-
Staff support is available during working hours
Application Dates for 2027:
-
Open 1 June 2026
-
Closed 30 June 2026
Details About Categories:
-
Pioneer (Upcoming) Residency
-
For writers 30 years old or under yet to publish their first full-length manuscript or collection
-
Number of positions: Two (minimum)
-
Stipend awarded: $500
-
Duration of residency: Two weeks
-
-
Black Opal (Emerging) Residency
-
For writers with one or two full-length publications or collections
-
Number of positions: Two (minimum)
-
Stipend awarded: $1,000
-
Duration of residency: Two weeks
-
-
Golden Mile (Established) Residency
-
For writers with more than two full-length publications or collections
-
Number of positions: One
-
Stipend awarded: $2,000
-
Duration of residency: Three to four weeks
-
Please read our KSP Writing Residency Guidelines 2027 before applying. This document contains eligibility and residency requirements.
Ready to submit?
-
The submission link will open 1 June 2026.
Application FAQs
Is there a cost to apply?
No, but you do need to be a current financial member of KSP to be eligible, or your application will be disqualified. See here to sign up. Note that interstate, regional and overseas applicants qualify for the 'Country' category. Also note that the WA Writers United (WAWU) collaborative membership does not apply in this instance.
What classifies as 'Regional' or 'Culturally and Linguistically Diverse'?
To classify as a 'Regional' writer, you must be based overseas or currently living in a remote area of Australia (see here for postcodes that qualify). CALD is a contemporary descriptor for ethnic communities. CALD people are generally defined as those who are born overseas, in countries other than those classified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) as 'main English speaking countries'.
I have received a KSP fellowship in the past. Can I apply for a KSP residency?
If your fellowship reports from the previous stay were submitted, then yes.
I have received a KSP residency in the past. Can I apply for another KSP residency?
Not in the same category, no. But you can apply for a different category, if eligible.
Will I be staying alone at KSP if I win a residency placement?
We have three cabins available, so Writers-in-Residence will usually have the company of at least one other writer while at KSP. We also have regular writing groups on at the Centre so there are plenty of opportunities to meet people.
Applying: What to Do
-
Read the KSP Writing Residency Guidelines 2027 here to determine whether you meet eligibility requirements and to understand the residency expectations for successful applicants.
-
Download and read the *Supporting Residency Document (see further info below) to ensure you can complete the required supporting material. If you can, start preparing this material.
-
If you are not an existing KSP member, sign up here. If you aren't sure whether your membership is up to date, please email our friendly staff at office@kspwriterscentre.com and they will check for you.
-
Sign up (or log in, if you are an existing account holder) for a free Submittable account.
-
Wait for the Submittable link above to become live for the 2027 program on 1 June 2026.
-
Submit your application by 30 June 2026.
APPLICATION ENQUIRIES: Contact the KSP Writers’ Centre office on 08 9294 1872 or office@kspwriterscentre.com
What is included in the *Supporting Residency Document?
The Supporting Residency Document (important: ensure to adhere to page limits, if specified) asks applicants to supply the following information (refer to the document for specific details):
-
Cover Letter, max two pages, giving details of suitability and reasons for applying.
-
Literary Resume, no page limit, including relevant work history, any publications, writing awards and achievements, i.e., residencies or grants won, and community engagement with the writing sector.
-
Project Details, max one page, focusing on the work you expect to be developing during the residency.
-
Workshop Proposal, max one page, outlining your two- or three-hour workshop [required for Established and Emerging/Invited writers only].
-
Sample of Polished Work, ten pages of polished work; this sample may be either published or unpublished material, which best reflects and showcases your writing style.