Francophone literary authors and translators of francophone Belgian literature
In August 2025, Passa Porta organised a new edition of ‘Seneffe in August’, its literary residencies for translators and authors.
Supported by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation with the aim of promoting the translation of French-language Belgian literature and encouraging the international circulation of our authors, these residencies provide translators from around the world with an ideal environment (provided that their submitted translation project is of a text by a French-language Belgian author (1)). The renovated outbuildings of the Château de Seneffe and its park will provide a peaceful workspace. To ensure a pleasant work environment for all, the residencies will range in length from two weeks (minimum) to one month (maximum).
Besides two spots for French-language Belgian authors, two spots will be reserved for French-language Belgian translators. This will enable everyone to work in an environment that encourages exchanges between authors and translators, bridging professional gaps.
Accommodation (with individual workspace) and meals are provided. Residents also receive a daily allowance of 8 euros for each day of attendance. The Château de Seneffe is located in Wallonia, an hour’s drive south of Brussels.
How to apply?
For translators:
- Applications must be submitted by 15 February 2025 by email: seneffe@passaporta.be. Applicants will be informed in March if they have been selected, after deliberation by the committee.
- The application must contain:
- A presentation of the translation project (synopsis and extract).
- A publishing contract and the agreement of the author(s) or copyright holder(s) (and, if necessary, a translation of these documents into French, Dutch, English, Spanish, Italian or German).
- A curriculum vitae.
- The translator’s availabilities during the residency period (minimum 15 days and maximum 1 month, between 28 July and 24 August).
For authors:
- Applications must be submitted by 17 February 2025 by email: seneffe@passaporta.be. Applicants will be informed in March if they have been selected, after deliberation by the committee.
- The application must contain:
- A presentation of the writing project (synopsis and extract).
- Proof of at least one literary publication, in the name of the applicant alone, from a publishing house meeting the criteria set out in the ‘Charte relative à l'édition professionnelle’, a professional publishing charter promoted by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (publications in journals, anthologies and collective works will not be considered, nor will self-published works or scientific or academic publications).
- A curriculum vitae.
- The author’s availabilities during the residency period (minimum 15 days and maximum 1 month, between 28 July and 24 August).
This is a residency in which communal living forms an integral part of the stay. We will therefore be looking for open-minded applicants who are willing to respectfully engage in this experience with their peers.
If you have any questions, please email us at seneffe@passaporta.be.
