Have you been waiting all school year to make serious progress on your book manuscript, article, or grant application? Jumpstart your summer writing project at the Obermann End-of-Year Writing Retreat May 11–14, 2026!
Fifteen participants will enjoy a week of quiet productivity apart from the distractions of campus at the beautiful North Ridge Pavilion in Coralville. Daily catered lunches will provide an opportunity for exchange and discussion with other writers across campus. Each day will include structured blocks for writing, breaks, small-group check-ins, and activities crafted to spark creativity and foster well-being. The retreat will also feature an engaging conversation with acclaimed author Garth Greenwell.
Organizers: Luis Martín-Estudillo, Director of the Obermann Center, and Lauren Cox, Associate Director of the Obermann Center.
This program is funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research's P3 Writing for the Public Good initiative.
Eligibility & application
The retreat is open to University of Iowa artists, scholars, and researchers working on any kind of writing project (e.g., academic articles/essays, fellowship or grant applications, book projects, edited volumes, nonfiction).
Writers who participated in last year's writing retreat are ineligible to apply for this one.
15 participants will be accepted by competitive application.
Participants must commit to attending the retreat from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. from Monday, May 11 to Thursday, May 14.
UI faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff working on writing projects are welcome to apply.