CARICON writers retreat 2026
The Caribbean's Literary Fellowship.
A fully sponsored, five-day literary residency in Martinique selecting 10–20 Caribbean writers to develop their manuscripts alongside internationally recognized authors, literary agents, and publishing professionals.
October 22-26, 2026 · Martinique.
Caribbean stories deserve world-class development.
The CARICON Writers Retreat exists to address a critical gap in the Caribbean’s creative ecosystem: while world-class literary fellowships exist across Europe and North America, the region lacks structured pathways that take writers from raw talent to publishable work and global market access.
This fellowship is designed to change that.
Each year, CARICON selects a cohort of emerging and established Caribbean writers through a competitive application process and provides:
- Full sponsorship (removing financial barriers to access)
- Intensive manuscript development through workshops
and writing labs
- Direct engagement with literary agents and publishing professionals
- One-on-one mentorship with established authors
- A clear manuscript-to-market roadmap by the end of
the residency
By the conclusion of the five-day program, each fellow leaves with:
- a refined manuscript direction
- actionable editorial feedback
- industry insight and connections
- a defined next step toward publication
RETREAT FACULTY
Guided by voices that have shaped Caribbean literature.
Dr. Earl Lovelace
Trinidad's most decorated living author, Commonwealth Writers' Prize winner.
Tiphanie Yanique
Author of Land of Love and Drowning.
Mary Alice Stewart
Direct access to international publishing.
Judith Falloon-Reid
Award-winning Caribbean cultural producer.
Jewel Greene
Deep regional literary network.
Dr. Earl Lovelace
Trinidad's most decorated living author, Commonwealth Writers' Prize winner.
The Programme
Five days. 10–20 writers. One transformation.
ACCOMMODATION · ALL MEALS · AIRPORT TRANSFERS · DAILY YOGA · WORKSHOPS · MANUSCRIPT REVIEW · LITERARY AGENT SESSION · WELCOME & FAREWELL DINNERS
THE FELLOWSHIP.
Who we are looking for.
Emerging Writers
Developing their first manuscript and seeking professional editorial guidance to shape their narrative.
Established Writers
Ready to elevate their craft, break into international markets, and secure world-class literary representation.
Multiple Disciplines
Poets, fiction writers, and creative non-fiction writers residing across the Caribbean region or the diaspora.
Selection is merit-based and competitive. Applications are reviewed by a panel of literary professionals. 20 fellowships are awarded per year. All costs are covered in full - accommodation, meals, transfers, and programming.
PARTNER WITH US
Invest in Caribbean literary excellence.
The CARICON Writers Retreat is made possible through the support of cultural institutions, government bodies, academic partners, and the private sector. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels.
Sponsorship Inquiry
To receive our full partnership proposal, submit a request below. Our team will contact you to discuss available institutional tiers.
INQUIRIES
Logistics & Inquiries
Is there a cost to participate?
No. The fellowship is fully sponsored. Selected participants attend at no cost — accommodation, all meals, airport transfers, and programming are covered in full.
Who can apply?
The fellowship is open to emerging and established writers based in the Caribbean region. We welcome fiction writers, poets, and creative non-fiction writers at all career stages.
How are fellows selected?
Selection is merit-based. Applicants submit a writing sample and short essays. A panel of literary professionals reviews all applications.
When do applications open?
Applications open June 2026 and close July 31, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by September 1, 2026.
Is airfare covered?
Airfare is not included in the fellowship. A limited number of travel bursaries are available for applicants who require financial assistance.
Where exactly does the retreat take place?
The retreat takes place October 22–26, 2026 in Martinique. Participants fly into Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport. Roundtrip transfers to the venue are provided.
