In honor of the centennial of James Baldwin’s birthday, Gate 27 is proud to collaborate with La Maison Baldwin (LMB) to empower Black writers through a unique residency program. This collaboration will provide two Black writers with a one-month residency at Gate 27’s Istanbul premises, offering resources and support to foster their creative work.
The residency offers a unique opportunity to reflect on Baldwin’s time in Istanbul, perhaps weaving in personal experiences or historical insights. The final work could be in the form of a novel, essays, poetry, or multimedia projects that not only showcase the writer’s talent but also contribute to ongoing conversations about race, culture, and societal change. Given the collaborative nature of the program, the writer might also engage with local culture or historical contexts in Istanbul, resulting in a work that bridges cultural narratives between Baldwin’s legacy and contemporary issues.
You can reach the details of the residency program developed in collaboration between Gate 27 and La Maison Baldwin below. You can visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for your further questions or send an e-mail to us.
Please visit the Application page for the evaluation process and general terms and rules applicable for the residency program. For other questions, you can also browse the Frequently Asked Questions page or send us an e-mail.
In the heart of literary tradition and the spirit of James Baldwin’s enduring legacy, our organization emerged from a vision deeply rooted in history and passion. Our initial goal was audacious yet profound: to overturn the sale of Baldwin’s house located in Saint Paul de Vence in the south of France, with the dream of transforming it into a writer’s residency.
This house, where Baldwin spent the last 17 years of his life, was more than a home; it was a sanctuary of creativity, a haven from the racial injustices of his homeland, and a bustling meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and activists.
Though we faced challenges in preserving Baldwin’s physical home, our mission evolved but never wavered.
Inspired by Baldwin’s legacy of equality, understanding, and the transformative power of the word, we stand as a beacon for writers, thinkers, and activists.
Our dedication lies in creating spaces where creativity can flourish, where the legacy of Baldwin enlightens and provokes, and where voices once silenced can echo through the ages.
From the vibrant communities of Paris to the wider world, we are committed to fostering environments that nurture the creative spirit.
Our residencies, workshops, and public programs are not just to honor Baldwin’s memory but to perpetuate his belief in the writer’s responsibility to society—to witness, to challenge, and to uplift.
As Baldwin once said, “The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden by the answers.” Guided by this wisdom, we invite writers and artists globally to join us in our pursuit of truth and justice through the power of the written word.
Our story is a testament to community, inspiration, and the relentless pursuit of freedom—freedom to write, to think, and to dream. We are more than an organization; we are a movement, united by the power of our stories and the enduring legacy of James Baldwin.
Join us as we continue to write our story, fueled by the past, propelled by the present, and aspiring towards a future where every voice is heard, and every story is valued.
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