thesilkroadtoday
“From the Interstice to the Song of Memories”
The Oyapock Review is pleased to announce an open call for applications for a prestigious poetry writing residency titled “From the Interstice to the Song of Memories.” This unique opportunity is designed for a published Francophone poet whose work engages with post-colonial spaces and explores the formation of cultures shaped by intertwined and evolving identities.
Set across the communes of Cayenne Island in French Guiana, the residency invites the selected poet to immerse themselves in a richly layered environment where geography, history, and language converge. The program encourages the creation of a poetic work that moves across both space and time, engaging deeply with the linguistic diversity, migratory histories, and cultural complexities of the region.
Rooted in the belief that literature should emerge from lived experience while remaining open to global dialogue, the residency draws inspiration from the thought of Édouard Glissant, who emphasized understanding “what makes a world.” It also continues the legacy of major Guianese literary figures such as Léon-Gontran Damas, Bertène Juminer, and Elie Stephenson, whose works established poetry as a central pillar of the region’s literary identity.
Residency Overview
The residency will take place from November 1 to November 28, 2026, over a four-week period. The selected poet will be hosted in a municipality in French Guiana, with all major expenses covered, including travel, accommodation, meals, and local transportation.
During the residency, the poet will develop two main creative outputs:
- A short poetry booklet (approximately 30 pages), produced and published locally.
- A full-length poetry collection, to be completed within 12 months under a dedicated publishing agreement with co-financing support.
The residency will culminate in a public artistic recital, free and open to audiences, featuring an original interdisciplinary collaboration between the poet and local artists, including choreographers, dancers, musicians, and visual artists.
Program Highlights
Week 1:
- Seminar on René Maran at the University of French Guiana
- Meetings with cultural institutions, including L’Encre and the Museum of Guianese Cultures
Week 2:
- Engagements with school groups across Cayenne Island
- Writing workshops in schools and libraries
- Field visit to the Kaw Marshes
- Guided forest exploration with university biology professors
Week 3:
- Dedicated writing period
- Editing, design, and local printing of the residency booklet
Week 4:
- Final recital and performance at Fort Diamant, combining poetry readings with music, dance, and visual arts
Artistic Vision
The residency invites poets to embark on a reflective and analytical journey—from the self toward the boundaries of otherness—within the unique context of French Guiana. By engaging with its forest landscapes, multilingual environment, and layered histories, the selected artist will contribute to a growing and dynamic literary scene rooted in poetry and open to the world.
Through this initiative, The Oyapock Review reaffirms its commitment to fostering meaningful literary production and supporting voices that explore identity, memory, and cultural interconnectedness.
Application details and deadlines will be announced soon.
