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The view from the Writers' Centre

06 November 2008 – How to apply for short residencies in 2009

The Michael King Writers Centre and Creative New Zealand have agreed to fund two eight-week residencies at the Michael King Writers Centre in Devonport.

Each residency is for eight weeks on dates to be agreed with the writers between January and June 2009. It is expected that one residency will be between January and March/April and the second will run between April and June.

A stipend of $8,000 will be paid for each residency. Payment of the stipend will be by arrangement between the Michael King Writers Centre and each writer once the Creative New Zealand contribution has been received.

The residencies are open to established authors, working on a project in fiction, non-fiction, drama or poetry. The objective of the residency is to support New Zealand authors and promote New Zealand literature.

The following persons are not eligible for selection:

• Employees of Creative New Zealand or members of its council and committees;
• Tertiary students working towards the completion of a tertiary qualification;
• Trustees and staff of the Michael King Writers Centre.

The selection panel will consist of three representatives from the Michael King Writers Centre and one independent person. The decision of the selection panel will be final and the panel will not engage with correspondence about the decision.

How to apply

There is no separate application form. Applications must include a letter with contact details (address, phone and email), a CV outlining the relevant writing experience and publishing record, and an outline of the project proposed for the residency (maximum 1,500 words). Applicants should indicate the dates they would be available for the residency and any preferred dates.

Applications close on Friday 12 December 2008. No late applications will be accepted.

Applications should be sent to:

The Administrator
Michael King Writers Centre
PO Box 32-629
Devonport, North Shore City 0744
Auckland

Terms and Conditions

In accepting the short-term residency in 2009, the appointee will be required to agree to the following terms and conditions:

• The appointed writer will reside in Auckland at the Michael King Writers Centre for the eight-week term of the residency;
• The writer accepts that the residency may be promoted by the Michael King Writers Centre and Creative New Zealand in their publications and media activities. The writer grants Creative New Zealand the right to use his/her name, likeness, images of and extracts of work created during the residency for use in conjunction with any publicity, reports or projects of Creative New Zealand. However, both the Michael King Writers Centre and Creative New Zealand acknowledge that the copyright and intellectual property of any works by the writer started, undertaken or completed during the residency shall be the property of the resident writer;
• The writer agrees to make a reasonable and appropriate contribution to the cultural life of the host organisation by mutual agreement;
• The writer will be required to acknowledge the host organisation and Creative New Zealand in any work published, produced or created as a result of the residency;
• The writer will provide the Michael King Writers Centre and Creative New Zealand each with one copy of any book or publication that results directly from the work produced during the residency;
• Within eight (8) weeks of the completion of the residency, the writer agrees to provide a written evaluation of the residency to the Michael King Writers Centre. Within twelve (12) weeks of the completion of the residency, the Michael King Writers Centre is required to provide the evaluation and a written report to Creative New Zealand;
• The writer and host organisation shall in good faith attempt to resolve any dispute using informal dispute resolution techniques (such as mediation, expert appraisal or determination), and failing that arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act 1996;
• Creative New Zealand reserves the right to cease its obligations and payments under its agreement with the Michael King Writers Centre in the event that the resident writer is involved in any activity that in the opinion of Creative New Zealand brings the residency into disrepute.

In addition to these terms and conditions, the writer agrees to the following terms and conditions relating specifically to the Michael King Writers Centre:

• Arrival and departure dates must be arranged in advance with the administrator. All keys must be returned to the administrator by arrangement before departure and any outstanding bills paid;
• The writer is entitled to use one bedroom and ensuite bathroom, and the detached studio. The kitchen, lounge, office and laundry are shared with other users. The house is used for a wide range of activities, such as meetings and events, and as a base for the administrator of the Michael King Writers Studio Trust. The writer accepts that there will be other events and activities taking place. The administrator will provide as much notice of coming events as possible and endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum;
• The writer will report any damage and maintenance requirements to the administrator and will co-operate with any displacement or inconvenience associated with repairs and maintenance;
• Residents must bring their own laptop/computer, printers, computer equipment, paper and printing ink;
• Broadband internet is available at the house. The resident undertakes not to make inappropriate use of the internet connection or in any way bring the Michael King Writers Centre into disrepute;
• Residents are responsible for insurance arrangements for their own property;
• Residents must pay for all toll calls;
• Visitors are permitted, provided the needs of other residents are respected. Partners are allowed to visit or stay overnight by arrangement with the administrator.
• The writer agrees to keep the house secure at all times, not to disclose the alarm code to any unauthorised person or make copies of the house key. The writer agrees to respect security arrangements for Mt Victoria established by the North Shore City Council;
• No parties or pets are allowed;
• No smoking, fires or candles are permitted in the house;
• Towels and linen are supplied. The house is cleaned every two weeks. Beyond this, residents are responsible for their own housework, cooking, washing and cleaning. The writer-in-residence agrees to keep the shared areas of the house tidy at all times. Personal belongings must be kept in the residents bedroom and studio.

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