NEWS In 2001, Sara Lidman donated her home farm to Umeå University as a sanctuary for writers and journalists. Now, a writer's residence is being established in her spirit – an opportunity for creative work in Missenträsk. Applications will open later this spring.
Swedish and international writers and journalists will be able to apply for a residency at Sara Lidman's farm in Missenträsk this spring. This is an opportunity to work for a period in a creative, inspiring and relaxing environment – entirely in line with Sara Lidman's wishes when she donated her childhood home to Umeå University.
Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor, Umeå University
ImageMattias Pettersson"Sara Lidman was one of Sweden's and Västerbotten's most prominent authors. She was also deeply committed to social issues and was a strong voice for democracy. It is truly wonderful that we are now establishing a residency in broad collaboration to offer authors and journalists the opportunity for free creative work," says Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University.
The Sara Lidman Residency was initiated by Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg. It is funded by Umeå University, Skellefteå Municipality and Region Västerbotten, and is run in collaboration with the Sara Lidman Society, Missenträsk Community Centre Association and Skellefteå Museum. The residency programme is coordinated by the university and project manager Jenny Jarlsdotter Wikström, senior lecturer at the Department of Culture and Media Studies.
"Sara Lidman wanted her home farm to be used so that writers could have a chance to change their environment and focus on their literary work," says Jenny Jarlsdotter Wikström.
For a maximum of four weeks, starting no earlier than the summer of 2026, the first person will be welcomed to live and work at Sara Lidman's farm.
"The first application for the residency will open in the spring, and we hope to receive many interesting applications from both Sweden and abroad. We are preparing information about the application process and selection criteria, and then we will open the application," says Jenny Jarlsdotter Wikström.
Read more about the Sara Lidman Residency, the application process and dates
