Ready to give your manuscript, article, novel, or grant application the sustained attention it deserves? Kick off your summer writing with the Obermann End-of-Year Writing Retreat, May 11–14, 2026.

This small retreat (15 participants) offers a calm, productive setting away from campus at North Ridge Pavilion in Coralville—ideal for deep work without interruptions. Each day pairs structured writing time with restorative breaks, small-group check-ins, and creative well-being activities to help you stay focused. Over daily catered lunches, you’ll have time to connect with fellow writers from across campus. This year's retreat will also feature an engaging conversation with acclaimed author Carmen Maria Machado.

Eligibility & Application

The retreat is open to University of Iowa artists, scholars, and researchers working on any kind of writing project. Faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff are welcome to apply.
Participants must commit to attending the retreat from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. from Monday, May 11 to Thursday, May 14.

15 participants will be accepted by competitive application. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Mar. 13, 2026. To apply, visit the Obermann End-of-Year Writing Retreat webpage. Follow the link to apply on the page and log in to the application portal with your HawkID and password. 

Writers who participated in last year's writing retreat are ineligible for this one.
This program is funded by the Office of the Vice President for Research's P3 Writing for the Public Good initiative.