We are no longer accepting applications for 2025-26.
Please check back October 2025 for the 2026-27 residencies.
James Merrill Writer-in-Residence Application Process
Selection Criteria:
-
Eligibility: Writers or scholars with a specific project of literary or academic merit, committed to a full-time 4-6 week residence in Stonington.
-
Genres Accepted: Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and plays. Please note that the residency is not intended for the completion of one’s dissertation.
-
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.
-
Integrity and Responsibility: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to be entrusted with the Merrill Apartment and its contents.
Overview:
The Writer-in-Residence program includes a stipend of $1,100 per month, prorated according to the length of stay. We offer six residencies for 4-6 weeks each.
Applications:
We accept applications for the 2026-2027 residencies from October 1, 2025 to Monday, January 12, 2026. Decisions will be made by mid-March.
A complete application includes the following documents:
-
A resume of four or fewer pages.
-
A writing or work sample of ten or fewer pages.
-
A statement of your plan of work while in Stonington, CT.
-
Two letters of reference (due by the deadline)
-
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.
-
A $30 application fee. Unfortunately, we do not allow fee exemptions.
Please direct inquiries about the application process or application status to jmhprograms@gmail.com.
