The residency lasts the entire month of July*, and is located in less than twenty miles from the Baltic Sea, in the Latvian capital of Riga. Given annually through a competition to one poet, playwright, or writer of fiction, the residency was established to encourage the further study and writing of poetry, fiction, and theatre, as well as to expose artists to Latvia, its people and its culture. Though the residency offers privacy and seclusion, residents are encouraged, if not urged, to take full advantage the vibrant city in which they will find themselves.

The winning resident is housed in the Hotel Bergs, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Riga, or in one of its townhouses and is awarded $1,000 toward travel and living expenses.** The standards for competition are simply talent – both emerging and established writers are encouraged to apply, keeping in mind that neither the writer, nor their project need have any relation to Latvia.

*In the past we have adjusted the period of the residency based on the needs of a given resident.
** Toward minimizing the cost of meals, the resident’s room is furnished with a stove.