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Vancouver nonprofit Upstart & Crow launches new poet-in-residence program

Upstart & Crow (Olivia Leigh Nowak)

Vancouver-based literary nonprofit Upstart & Crow has launched a new poet-in-residence program.

The residency includes a $4,000 grant, access to the upstairs studio of Upstart & Crow’s bookstore on Granville Island for at least one month, and editorial feedback. The inaugural poet will be selected by a jury comprised of Jess Housty, Raoul Fernandez, and Doretta Lau. Applications are open to poets from across Canada and will be accepted until February 18. Virtual or hybrid residencies are possible for those who are unable to travel to Vancouver.

Upstart & Crow will also be offering six $500 grants to emerging poets.

The poet-in-residence program is one of four writing residencies that Upstart & Crow will run this year. In previous years, Upstart & Crow offered just one residency a year, but a successful fundraising campaign in 2024 allowed for an expansion of offerings. Other residencies offered this year include a climate writing residency, a general nonfiction residency, and a residency for writers who are also parents.

“Given that it is increasingly difficult for writers and artists to make ends meet, the residencies are a core part of supporting a healthy, vibrant and meaningful community for readers and writers,” Zoe Grams, Upstart & Crow founder and board chair, tells Q&Q by email. “But they’re certainly just one part of our larger programming efforts.”

Upstart & Crow launched in 2020, and any net revenue from book sales go toward its nonprofit activities. Last year’s fundraising campaign contributed $50,000 toward projects, and fundraising will continue to support multiple residencies in future years.

The nonprofit’s literary projects focus on literature in translation, poetry, climate solutions, civic dialogue, and community and skills building. Programs include free and by-donation workshops on writing, zines, poetry, art, literature, and other creative practices.

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January 21st, 2025

1:36 pm

Category: Industry News

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