About the opportunity
The Iceland Writers Retreat (IWR) Alumni Award program enables writers of all backgrounds and experience levels with demonstrated financial need to participate in the annual retreat in Reykjavík, Iceland. Funded by alumni and supporters, the award supports attendance at the retreat taking place from April 14, 2027. Selected writers participate in standard retreat programming featuring five intensive writing classes and an Icelandic day trip, connecting with international faculty across literary fiction, non-fiction, and memoir.
Funding and benefits
- Full funding covers the standard retreat registration fee (including 5 classes and 1 day trip), four nights of accommodation in Reykjavík, and round-trip economy airfare from a major international airport.
- Partial funding covers the full registration fee for the standard retreat package (classes and day trip), excluding travel and lodging.
- Official supporting documentation is provided to assist international recipients with visa applications.
Who can apply?
- Open to writers worldwide aged 18 or older by April 14, 2027.
- Open to applicants of all backgrounds and writing experience levels.
- Writing interests must align with the retreat genres (literary fiction, non-fiction, or memoir).
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need preventing them from attending without support.
- Past IWR participants and family members of the judges are ineligible.
Required documents
- Statement of impact explaining motivation, interest in the faculty and event, and plans to share the retreat experience.
- Creative writing sample in prose (fiction, non-fiction, or memoir) up to 1,000 words.
- Two written reference letters attached as PDFs from non-family members familiar with your writing.
- Statement and acknowledgment of financial need, including efforts to secure additional funding.
When to apply
- Application window opens: September 16, 2026.
- Application deadline: October 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. GMT.
- Recipient selection announced: Late November 2026.
- Retreat dates: Begins April 14, 2027.
How to apply
- Access the official IWR application portal on the Award Force platform.
- Complete the application form and upload the creative writing sample, statement of impact, and reference PDFs.
- Submit the non-refundable $10 USD application fee online.
- Ensure all information is finalized and submitted before the deadline, as no changes can be made post-submission.
Additional information
- Award recipients are chosen by IWR alumni reviewers and the founding directors based on literary promise and financial need.
- The award does not cover airport transfers, travel insurance, visa application fees, or incidental personal expenses and unlisted meals.
- Accommodation provided for full funding recipients may be located at an alternative lodging site in Reykjavík rather than the main retreat hotel.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Prose writers working in literary fiction, creative non-fiction, or memoir who want focused craft instruction from published international faculty.
- Promising writers who have not yet had extensive opportunities to attend international writing residencies or workshops due to financial constraints.
- Creative individuals who can clearly articulate how an immersive cultural experience in Iceland will accelerate their ongoing writing projects.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must pay a non-refundable $10 USD application fee, which cannot be waived.
- Partial funding recipients must independently fund and arrange their own international flights, ground transit, and lodging in Reykjavík.
- Full funding does not cover travel insurance, visa fees, airport transfers, or out-of-itinerary meals, requiring some personal out-of-pocket budget.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This award is well suited for authors seeking dedicated short-term professional development, intensive workshop feedback, and networking within an international literary community. It provides a rare opportunity to gain high-level instruction and inspiration in a concentrated five-day retreat format without long-term residency obligations.
Our take
Emerging and experienced prose writers with genuine financial need should strongly consider applying. Those writing outside literary prose genres (such as poetry or screenwriting) or unable to cover incidental travel costs should weigh the application fee before entering.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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