Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award 2027

The Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award 2027 supports writers who would otherwise face financial barriers to attending the Iceland Writers Retreat in Reykjavík.

The Alumni Award is funded through contributions from Iceland Writers Retreat alumni and friends. The programme aims to make the retreat accessible to talented writers from different backgrounds and countries while strengthening the international IWR writing community.

The 2027 Iceland Writers Retreat will take place from 14–18 April 2027 in Reykjavík. Participants join small-group writing workshops, literary activities and opportunities to engage with established authors and other writers.

Applicants may apply for either a full award or a partial award. Full awards offer significantly broader financial support, including accommodation and international airfare, while partial awards cover the standard retreat package only.

Applicants’ writing interests should align with the 2027 retreat faculty, particularly literary fiction, non-fiction and memoir.

Writers do not need to be established or previously published. IWR welcomes applicants of all levels of writing experience.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by 14 April 2027.
• Writers from all backgrounds and levels of writing experience are welcome.
• Applicants’ writing interests should align with the 2027 retreat faculty, particularly literary fiction, non-fiction or memoir.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
• Previous Iceland Writers Retreat participants are not eligible to apply.
• Family members of the award judges are not eligible.
• Applicants seeking full funding must demonstrate that they cannot afford the cost of flights to Iceland and accommodation.
• Applicants must submit a complete application before the deadline.

Full Award

• Standard Iceland Writers Retreat package.
• Five writing classes.
• One literary day trip.
• Four nights’ accommodation in Reykjavík.
• Round-trip airfare from a major international airport.
• Participation in the Iceland Writers Retreat community and programme.
• Access to writing workshops led by experienced authors.
• Literary and cultural activities in Iceland.

Partial Award

• Standard Iceland Writers Retreat package.
• Five writing classes.
• One literary day trip.

Note: Partial funding does not include flights or accommodation.

The award does not cover:

• Airport transfers in the applicant’s home country, during transit or in Iceland.
• Travel insurance.
• Visa fees.
• Incidental expenses.
• Meals that are not included in the programme itinerary.

IWR can provide required supporting letters for visa purposes but does not arrange or pay for visas.

Applicants must provide:

• Statement of impact.
• Creative writing sample of up to 1,000 words.
• Writing sample in fiction, non-fiction or memoir.
• Two references submitted as PDF files.
• Acknowledgement of financial need.
• Information about why the applicant wishes to attend the retreat.
• Information about how the applicant plans to share their IWR experience.

References should:

• Be written by people familiar with the role writing plays in the applicant’s life.
• Not be written by family members.
• Be attached directly to the application.
• Preferably be prepared specifically for the Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award.

Recipients are selected primarily on:

• Potential demonstrated as a writer.
• Financial need to attend the retreat.

IWR also advises applicants that:

• Quality of writing is particularly important.
• Applicants who have had fewer opportunities to attend writing retreats or develop their writing may be ranked highly.
• The statement of impact should demonstrate genuine interest in the retreat and its faculty.
• Strong references should demonstrate the role writing plays in the applicant’s life.
• References prepared specifically for the award may receive stronger consideration.
• Full-funding applicants must demonstrate their inability to afford travel and accommodation.

Applications are initially reviewed by a team of Iceland Writers Retreat alumni. Final award recipients are selected by the IWR founding directors.

• Develop your creative writing through small-group workshops.
• Learn directly from established international authors.
• Join an international community of writers.
• Experience Reykjavík’s literary culture.
• Gain focused time for writing and creative development.
• Receive professional feedback and new perspectives on your work.
• Build relationships with writers from different countries and backgrounds.
• Explore Iceland’s literary heritage and landscape.
• Access an international writing retreat that may otherwise be financially difficult to attend.