Minnesota Writing Residency 2026–2027 | Upstream Creative Writers & Grassroots Journalism Program

Location
Remote residency for Minnesota residents living in one of the following regions:

  • East Side St. Paul

  • West Central Minnesota

  • Iron Range, Minnesota

Open to
Writers, poets, storytellers, and grassroots journalists aged 18 and older who:

  • Are Minnesota residents

  • Reside in the region for which they are applying

  • Have their own transportation to travel to natural places within their region

Application Fee
Not stated.

What’s Provided

  • $3,000 artist stipend (50% upon contracting, 50% upon completion)

  • Minnesota State Parks Pass

  • Mileage reimbursement up to $500

  • Supply stipend

  • Light-touch mentorship and peer support with Naomi RaMona Schliesman

  • Promotion through Upstream platforms and partner networks

  • Publication of final works on the Upstream website

  • Opportunity for public presentation at the Unsung Caretakers Awards

What the Artist/Applicant Must Cover

  • Transportation for travel to natural places within their region (mileage support available up to $500)

  • Independent participation in site visits, research, observation, interviews, and writing activities throughout the residency

Duration
9-month remote residency.
Residency period: August 2026 – April 30, 2027.

Deadline
July 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Residency Structure

  • Remote, self-directed residency with light structure and periodic check-ins

  • Flexible scheduling within the residency period

  • Three literary artists selected per region

Final Deliverables
Participants will produce one or more of the following:

  • Three polished written works (essay series, poetry collection, journalism/nonfiction pieces, or hybrid/experimental writing)

  • One zine or small handmade artist book

  • Optional short-form journal entries or excerpts for digital storytelling

  • A brief written reflection on the residency experience

Additional Notes

  • Final works will be published on the Upstream website and shared through digital platforms.

  • Selected works may be considered for future anthology or zine publications.

  • Special outreach efforts prioritize rural and urban writers, emerging writers, BIPOC artists, cultural bearers, storytellers, and community-rooted or nontraditional voices.

  • Applications opened June 8, 2026, and artists will be notified on July 27, 2026.

 

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