Tumbleweeding
About the Tumbleweed programme
Throughout his life, George Whitman, the founder of Shakespeare and Company, travelled the world as a self-proclaimed Tumbleweed – blowing from place to place, sheltered by the grace of the strangers he met. With this in mind, he opened Shakespeare and Company in 1951, living by the motto ‘Be not inhospitable to strangers, lest they be angels in disguise’. Ever since, the bookshop has opened its doors to writers who’ve asked for a bed.
Our current Tumbleweed programme proudly continues this tradition, offering a unique opportunity to stay at a bookshop in the heart of Paris, and to contribute to the city’s rich and extensive literary culture.
What does it mean to be a Tumbleweed today?
Successful applicants will have use of a studio (with private bathroom) within the bookshop building, filled with books should you be in need of literary inspiration. While you are free to fill your days in the studio as you choose, we hope this space will be conducive to many productive hours working on your writing project and reading. Typically, successful applicants will stay a minimum of one week and a maximum of one month with us.
While you’re here, you will not be asked to work in the bookshop, but we will ask you to help set up and support our weekly events. Before you leave, we ask all Tumbleweeds to leave a one-page autobiography for our archives. This autobiography should be typed and include your address, profession and a photo of yourself.
The Tumbleweed programme is designed to give writers the time, space and privacy to develop their craft. Therefore, we ask that you do not publicise your residency on social media (before, during, or after your stay) or pitch articles about your time here. Similarly, as you have privileged access to Shakespeare and Company, guests and visitors are not permitted during your stay as a Tumbleweed.
What we offer:
A room with a view for living, working and writing, with a semi-equipped kitchen and private bathroom
Bed linen and towels
What we don’t offer:
Travel expenses or a living stipend
Visa sponsorship, or other help with visiting/residency papers
Laundry or concierge services
Paid work
How to apply
If you are interested in participating in our Tumbleweed programme, please download and complete this application form HERE
Please note that the Tumbleweed programme is currently only accepting applications for April 2025 and beyond. We have no availability before this time
Completed application forms should be emailed to history@shakespeareandcompany.com.
Suitable applicants will be contacted by email to arrange a short video interview, and if successful they will then be offered a residency period at the bookshop.
