Submission Guidelines
How to Apply
Vila Nova de Gaia / Porto, Portugal.
June 12–20, 2027.
Thank you for thinking of The Doorway Effect for your artist retreat. We built this retreat around the idea that artists do their best work when they’re given room to breathe in an inspiring context, and feedback from artists experienced in the field. Participants can join in a morning workshop, a one-on-one conference with your workshop leader, and multiple evenings of shared readings and performance. It’s a full week—with a combination of disciplines, including music and poetry—designed to leave space for walking, resting, and writing at your own pace.
Fees
$2,900 (does not include food and lodging)
Deadlines
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Application: January 15, 2027
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Deposit: $350 (due upon acceptance; non-refundable, applied toward tuition)
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Full tuition balance: $2,550 (due March 1; total tuition $2,900)
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*Tuition, minus the $350 deposit, is refundable if we are notified by March 15
To apply, submit your writing sample (10 pgs), cover letter (1 pg), and literary CV (3 pgs) through Subfolio.
Questions before you apply?
Reach us at contact@thedoorwayeffect.com.
Who Can Apply
We welcome writers and musicians of any background, identity, and experience level, from those just starting out to those with years of publication behind them. If you're unsure whether you're a fit, we'd still love to hear from you.
What to submit
1. For poets, a writing sample, up to 10 pages; for musicians, a 2-5 minute sample (format: WAV, AIFF, or 320 kbps MP3).
2. A literary CV (three pages maximum; we’re interested in where you are in your writing life, not a checklist).
3. A cover letter describing artistic goals and why you'd like to come on the retreat.
Application Fee
$20. This fee helps us cover the time and care that goes into reading and processing submissions. (If the fee is a barrier, please reach out. We don't want cost to be the reason someone doesn't apply.) There are limited fellowships available for some participants.
Accessibility
If you have an access need—related to mobility, sensory needs, health, caregiving, or anything else—let us know when you apply or any time after (contact@thedoorwayeffect.com). We’ll do our best to make the retreat work for you.