An infographic with cutouts from magazines and newspapers collaged in the background. In the foreground at the top is a ripped piece of brown paper with a piece of yellow tape featuring Eyelevel's black logo. Below are cutout letters that read "Writer In Residence". Underneath, on another piece of ripped brown paper, are underlined black bold letters that read "Call for submissions. Deadline: September thirtieth, eleven fifty-nine PM AT".

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Call for submissions - Writer in Residence program

Posted 9 Sep 2025

Application due September 30, 2025, 11:59 PM ADT

At Eyelevel, we are excited to launch this year’s Writer in Residence program! In this year-long program, two selected participants will work with Amanda Shore as their mentor for a period of six months. The first resident will work from November 2025 to April 2026, and the second from May to October 2026. 

Residents will be commissioned to write 3 pieces of writing (1000 words each): two that respond critically to Eyelevel’s programming and one written response to a project/exhibition/artist profile outside of Eyelevel’s programming. Their completed and edited works will be published in Eyelevel’s annual publication (a small printed book) and Billie Magazine. 

This program aims to support emerging critical arts writers. The participants will develop the skills to write exhibition reviews, artist profiles, and critical essays. Applicants do not need to have previous art writing experience to apply or participate in this program. Other types of professional writing experience or education (poetry, fiction, etc.) are welcome but are not necessary.

This is not a studio residency, meaning Eyelevel does not provide studio space to the participants. This program is not for out-of-province applicants. This residency is flexible and self-directed with mentorship. Residents will meet with Amanda regularly, and produce three pieces of writing, but will work on their own schedule and from wherever they choose.

Writer in Residence program provides (these fees are for each writer in residence):

  • Mentorship from Amanda Shore for 6 months (max 5 hours a month), which includes support on how to work as a critical arts writer, how to find your voice, best practices, how to pitch to a magazine, review of rough drafts, etc. 

  • A $1500 writing fee for two 1,000-word articles at .75 per word. There is also an additional writing fee that Billie Magazine will cover for the article they publish on their website.  

  • Up to $500 to translate one article per writer to their language of choice. 

  • A budget of up to $200 per participant for travel to meet with interviewees.

  • A budget of up to $100 per participant for equipment rental and writing supplies.

  • A budget of up to $500 per participant for interviewing fees for 2 people.  

  • Use of the Eyelevel office and access to a laptop.

How to apply:

  • Answer the following questions and submit your application by September 30 @ 11:59 PM ADT.  

  • Eyelevel wants to make applying for this program as easy as possible. Our default way to accept applications is through the Google Form, which can be found by pressing the link here: https://forms.gle/c9QW2Fx98UQgB7dd9

  • You can also respond to these questions by contacting us through the following methods: 

    • Email us at info@eyelevel.art with your answers in the body of the email, as a Word document, PDF, audio, or video file. 

    • If you choose to apply in person, by phone, or over Zoom (10-minute pitch), please send a request to do so by September 26 (call or text 902-425-6412, DM us or email us at info@eyelevel.art with your request).

Whatever method you decide, please answer the following questions: 

Basic ID information: 

  • Email address  

  • Name (one you go by) 

  • Phone number 

  • Pronouns 

  • Preferred communication method (email, phone call, text)

Application Questions:

  • Tell us a little bit about yourself

  • What do you want to learn in this residency? What are your goals?

  • If any, do you have any prior experience with critical arts writing? Has your writing been published in the past? If so, where?

  • Do you have any access needs you feel are important to mention or things you would like to request accommodations for during your residency?

  • Which slot will you prefer for your time in the residency? November 1, 2025 - April 30, 2026, or  May 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026?

  • Is there anything else that you would like to mention?

  • In an effort of harm reduction and community care, Eyelevel requires everyone to wear respirator masks at all times during our events, meetings, panels, workshops, and residencies. Residents and their guests working on-site at 2482 Maynard will be expected to wear a well-fitting KN95 or N95 respirator-type mask and stay home if they are feeling sick or test positive for COVID-19 (free masks are available through our Mask Bank). Are you able to adhere to Eyelevel’s COVID-19 safety protocols? Y/N

Support Material:

  • Please submit up to 2 pieces of writing (500 words max.) You can submit different types of writing: poetry, personal essays, fiction, non-fiction, journalism, etc.

    • Submissions should be a single PDF. Please note we cannot read .pages files. If you use Pages or Google Docs, please download/export the file as a PDF.