Villa Sarkia Writer Residency 2026

Villa Sarkia is a residency program located in the centre of Sysmä, Finland, for writers, translators, and working groups. The residency is coordinated by Nuoren Voiman Liitto (NVL), and facilities are maintained by the Municipality of Sysmä. The residency is primarily intended for writers under 40 years of age and welcomes applications regardless of language, nationality, or literary genre. The residency building is a wooden villa from the turn of the 20th century with three writer's rooms and shared facilities including a living room, sauna, kitchen, and large garden. At any given time, 3-4 writers or translators can work at the residency. Individual applicants may stay for 1-2 months, while working groups may apply for shorter stays of two weeks. Accommodation is free of charge for selected residents, with only a registration fee of €100 per resident per month collected by NVL. The residency provides bed linen, towels, and cleaning services. Selection is based mainly on a well-presented work plan, and a previously published literary work is not required to apply. During their stay, residents are asked to write one text for the residency blog and submit an informal residency report and feedback after their stay. Villa Sarkia offers peace and quiet in a natural setting amid lakes and forests in the Päijät-Häme region, ideal for focused creative work. The location provides opportunities to explore nature trails, local cultural sites, and experience the silence and immersion in nature that many past residents have highlighted as key features of their stay.