Randell Cottage
A writer's residency
Since 2002, this residency has welcomed an accomplished French author to Wellington each year.
It is organised by the Embassy of France in New Zealand, in partnership with the Randell Cottage Writers Trust.
Randell Cottage, a 19th-century house built by William Randell and located in the heart of Wellington, serves as a residence. In 2001, Beveley Randell, her husband and daughter, donated the restored cottage to a trust with the aim of creating a writer's residence.
Context
Wellington
With its distinct cultural presence, numerous bookshops, public and research libraries, diverse events, and lively café culture, Wellington is the ideal location for a writer's residency. The city is also home to Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington’s renowned creative writing course.
The Randell Cottage is a 19th century house located in the historical district of Thorndon, in the heart of Wellington, just a few steps away from the botanic garden. Renovated regularly over the years, it has retained its original charm.
What to expect
The residency traditionally lasts for a period of up to five months, taking place during the first half of the year.
During their stay, the resident is provided with accommodation at the Randell Cottage. It may be suitable for a family.
The resident will also be provided with a living allowance, and return flights from their home base.
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c. Tim Gruar
Profile
The residency is open to authors who are French or have lived in France for at least five years, published at least two books and are proficient in English. All writing styles are welcome: fiction, non fiction, screenwriting, playwrighting, poetry, children's literature, comics, etc.
Applications are evaluated on the proposed writing project's quality, past publications, public speaking skills, and workshop facilitation abilities.
The selection panel includes prominent figures from New Zealand and French creative industries.
The next call for applications will open in March/April 2025.
Partner
Managed by the Randell Cottage Writers Trust, the cottage has hosted writers in residence from New Zealand and France sin 2002.
Its board of trustees is made up of influential figures from the world of books, and counts as a patron, the French ambassador, Mme Laurence Beau.
The Friends of the Randell Cottage Committee helps to support the residence by raising funds for maintenance and furnishing.
Laureates
Meet the laureates of the Randell Cottage residency.
« Ce séjour au bout du monde fut une parenthèse pacifique extraordinaire, au milieu de ma vie - une sorte de trêve. »
Amélie Lucas-Gary
« La réserve, la pudeur, l'optimisme, la bienveillance et le sens du compromis sont des valeurs cardinales de ce pays. »
Nicolas Fargues
«Cette résidence à Randell Cottage était certainement l’une des plus grandes expériences de ma vie aussi bien au niveau artistique qu’au niveau humain, littéraire.»
Sedef Ecer
« J'ai eu l'opportunité, la chance, de pouvoir rester dans ce bâtiment historique, dans une ville formidable, dans le plus beau pays du monde, la Nouvelle-Zélande. »
Julien Blanc-Gras
Applications will open in March/April 2025.
Jury's members for the Randell Cottage Residency 2024
Charles
RICE-DAVIES
Jean
ANDERSON
Winston
ROBERTS
Sebastien
DE COURTOIS
Ingrid
THOBOIS
Sedef
ECER
