- Deadline
- 83 days left
- Entry fee
- $35
- Award
- Two-week residency with private bedroom in shared housing, some meals provided, access to shared kitchen, and participation in public programming. No residency fee.
- Location
- California, United States
- Applicants notified
- Jan 1, 2027
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About
Writers and activists are invited to apply for a 14-day residential retreat to work on transformative nonfiction, long-form journalism, documentary film, podcasts, and related projects addressing pressing social and environmental issues.
Overview
Mesa Refuge supports a diverse community of writers and activists through two-week residencies at a coastal California retreat. The organization welcomes writers—both emerging and established—working on transformative stories addressing pressing issues including nature, environment and climate crisis, economic and racial equity, social justice, immigration, health care, housing, and democracy. All genres accepted; nonfiction books, long-form journalism, documentary film, and podcasts are prioritized.
Residency Details
Residencies are 14 days long with no residency fee. Three writers live together in shared housing with private bedrooms and shared spaces. Participants provide their own transportation to and from the residency and are responsible for most meals, though some meals are provided and a shared kitchen is available.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: October 4, 2026
- Applicants notified: early 2027
Application Requirements
Submit one writing sample (no longer than 2,000 words or 10 pages), current resume, horizontally oriented headshot photo, brief bio, and two references. Letters of recommendation are not required.
Eligibility
Open to writers and activists at any career stage, based anywhere in the world. First-time residents are prioritized. Pets are not allowed.
Application Fee
$35 helps underwrite the cost of application review. Fee waivers are available; request one by emailing nkansky@mesarefuge.org or info@mesarefuge.org.
Accessibility
Housing and studios/facilities are partially accessible (50% or more). Some meals are provided, and residents have access to a shared kitchen. See the Accessibility Statement at https://mesarefuge.org/about-us/the-mesa-refuge-experience/ for more details.
How to Apply
Submit your application at https://mesarefuge.submittable.com/submit/2147ace7-6dca-46a8-952d-6a356b70262c/. For questions, consult the FAQ page or contact the organization.
- Award
- Two-week residency with private bedroom in shared housing, some meals provided, access to shared kitchen, and participation in public programming. No residency fee.
- Entry fee
- $35 application fee; fee waivers available upon request.
- Eligibility
- Open to writers and activists of any career stage, based anywhere in the world; first-time residents prioritized.
- Audience
- Writers and activists at any stage of career; applicants from anywhere in the world welcome.
- Contact
- nkansky@mesarefuge.org
Aggregated automatically — verify details at the organizer's site.