Apply for the Sara Lidman Residency

Applications must be written in Swedish or English and include the applicant's CV + a personal letter (1–2 A4 pages) describing your writing (fiction or journalism), linking it to Sara Lidman's work, and explaining why you would benefit from a stay at Sara Lidmangården with the associated work grant in 2026.

Please also briefly describe an idea for a public programme item that you would like to organise during your stay, e.g. a lecture or a book discussion. Please also indicate your preferred dates for your stay. The dates must be in 2026.

You may include up to 5 attachments (e.g. excerpts from published works such as novels, poems, essays, reviews, reports, articles, etc., or excerpts from works in progress) in your application, up to a maximum of 25 A4 pages.

This is included in the residency Sara Lidman

The residency includes a one-month (30-day) stay at Sara Lidman's family home, Lidmangården, in Missenträsk, Västerbotten. The time can be used for work or recreation. In addition, a scholarship of SEK 30,000 is included. The residency also involves collaboration with Umeå University, Region Västerbotten and Skellefteå Municipality. This could be, for example, an author talk at a local library, a writing workshop for young people, or a lecture. The nature and timing of the collaboration are decided jointly by the scholarship holder and the organisers.

Questions and answers

Who can apply for the Sara Lidman residency?

Writers and journalists who work in the spirit of author and debater Sara Lidman can apply for the scholarship. Applicants can work in various written genres, such as poetry, drama, children's and young adult literature, investigative journalism, literary criticism or cultural journalism. You do not need to be based in Sweden or write in Swedish to apply. In your application, you must demonstrate your writing or journalism credentials with a CV and, if possible, samples of your work.

Where is Lidmangården located and how do you get there?

Lidmangården is located in the village of Missenträsk, inland from Skellefteå in Västerbotten County, halfway between the coast and the mountains. The village is beautifully situated with views of forests and lakes. You can get there via Skellefteå. The bus from Skellefteå to Arjeplog stops at road 95, about two kilometres from Missenträsk. The last part of the journey is on foot. The same bus can take you on to Glommersträsk, where the nearest grocery store is located. The address is Lidmangården, Missenträsk, 936 95 Jörn.

Are trips to and from Missenträsk included in the residence?

Yes. The residency includes travel to and from Missenträsk.

How do you choose the timing for your month at Lidmangården?

You can choose to spend time at Lidmangården during the summer and autumn of 2026. As the farm can also be booked by other guests, bookings are made on a first come, first served basis. This means that you are not guaranteed to get the dates you request. It is therefore a good idea to think of several dates that would suit you and be flexible if possible.

Can the thirty days of residency be divided into several parts?

Yes. You can divide your 30 days into, for example, two periods of two weeks. However, the residency only pays for one trip to Missenträsk and one trip home. You are responsible for any other travel expenses.

Can you bring dogs to Lidmangården?

Yes. Dogs and other pets are welcome.

Can you bring your children and partner to Lidmangården, for example?

Yes. Children and accompanying persons are welcome. You are allowed to have guests during your time as a writer-in-residence, as the entire main building is at your disposal.

Is there broadband in the house?

Yes. There is broadband.

How to apply

Applications (compiled in a single PDF file, including CV and attachments) should be emailed to jenny.jarlsdotter.wikstrom@umu.se by 15 April 2026 at the latest.