12/01/2026
Pagbati kay Dr. Rom Peña bilang Writer-in-Residence sa The Jan Michalski Foundation Writing Residency 2026 sa Montricher, Switzerland. Inspirasyon ang kahanga-hangang pandaigdigang pagkilalang ito lalo na’t siya ang kauna-unahang Pilipino na natanggap sa Writing Residency na ito, at nawa’y maging mabunga at puno ng inspirasyon ang kaniyang pananatili sa Switzerland para makalikha ng panibagong akda.
Bon Voyage, Gute Reise and Congratulations! to our Isang One Dalawang Zero (Single One Double Zero) author Dr. Rom Peña for being selected as WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE at The Jan Michalski Foundation Writing Residency 2026, Montricher, Switzerland
He is the first-ever Filipino writer and the third from Southeast Asian countries to be chosen for the Jan Michalski Foundation Writing Residency in Switzerland.
ABOUT THE WRITING RESIDENCY:
Details from this link: https://fondation-janmichalski.com/en/residences
The Jan Michalski Foundation’s residency for writers is designed to provide an environment for literary creation and to support those involved in the written word.
The Foundation features a group of seven distinctive residential modules that are available for writers and translators invited for residencies of varying lengths of time. Hanging from the openwork “canopy” that runs above the Foundation, these units are called “cabins” and offer ideal conditions to anyone who is looking to start, continue working on, or put the finishing touches to a writing project.
Although open to all kinds of writing and all languages, the residency program does give priority to literary writers and translators. The residencies can be for either individuals or pairs of participants in the case of projects involving more than one discipline. Each year some forty authors from around the world, from emerging writers to seasoned veterans, are able to count on a certain period of time dedicated to a literary project.
A percentage of the residencies are dedicated to nature writing, a form of fiction or creative non-fiction that raises awareness of nature, prepares for a sustainable future, and helps to better understand socio-environmental interconnections and the impact of human actions on nature.
Become a resident
General Terms and Conditions
Residences are available for all types of writers engaged in literary creation. While we give priority to writers and translators, we are also open to other disciplines as long as literature is at the heart of the project. Stays in the Jan Michalski Foundation are granted to individuals as well as pairs of writers working on a common project. The latter might include a writer and a translator, a writer and someone from another discipline, two writers, and so on.
Location
The Jan Michalski Foundation lies at the foot of the Swiss Jura Mountains in Montricher. The village is approximately 30 minutes from Lausanne and one hour from Geneva. It is possible to reach Montricher from Morges by train.
Six “cabins” overlook Lake Geneva and the Alps while a seventh is oriented towards the forested slopes of the Jura. One final cabin serves as a kitchen and common living area where resident writers can cook together, socialize and relax.
Length of stay
Residencies can vary in length, lasting from two weeks to one, two, or three months. The length of stay should match the scope of the project. The period applied for is a request only, and the Jan Michalski Foundation reserves the right to offer another period depending on availability.
Eligibility criteria
There are no age or nationality restrictions.
Beginners are accepted.
Candidates are only allowed to submit one application per year.
Former residents are not allowed to reapply.
Residence conditions
Residents are allocated one of the seven cabins for periods lasting from two weeks to three months. The cabin allows them to live independently. For projects in pairs, a separate cabin will be assigned to each of the selected candidates. We are not able to welcome families, children or pets at the Jan Michalski Foundation.
Please be advised that we are not able to divide residencies into multiple stays throughout the year.
There is one cabin available for people with reduced mobility. Please specify any reduced mobility needs in the Comments box in the Your Stay section of the application form.
Residents’ travel costs to and from their home address will be covered by the Foundation.
Residents are granted a weekly allowance of CHF 400.
The Foundation provides breakfast and lunch for residents and the village has a small grocery shop.
Electric bikes are available for residents.
The Montricher train station, with regular connections to Morges, is situated two kilometers from the Foundation.
Residents have free access to the library during the day.
Residents are free to participate in cultural activities organized by the Foundation.
Selection criteria and process
Applications will be assessed based on three criteria, the literary quality of the project, the candidate’s professional background, and whether or not the length of the stay matches the scope of the project. Beginners’ applications are assessed based on the quality of the project and the motivation they are able to convey in their application.
Please be aware that we are unable to modify applications or add documents to applications once they are submitted.
A panel of experts chaired by Mrs. Vera Michalski-Hoffmann will make a decision on all applications.
All candidates will be notified of the jury’s decision.
Reasons for non-selection will not be provided by the jury.
ABOUT THE JAN MICHALSKI FOUNDATION, visit this link: https://fondation-janmichalski.com/en/fondation
WRITERS IN RESIDENCE AT THE JAN MICHALSKI FOUNDATION. Discover profiles of the first thirty writers among the sixty-five residents hosted this 2026, as well as the complete archive of former residents at the Jan Michalski Foundation. You may view this link: https://fondation-janmichalski.com/en/residences/residents
You may view the profile of Dr. Rom in this link: https://fondation-janmichalski.com/en/residences/residents/romeo-pena
