Louis
Place
open call!
at Louis Place offerings for emerging and experienced senior writers
This January, we’re pleased to announce two offerings in honor of Regina Berg, a Chicago-based author, librarian, and mentor who published her first poems in her eighth decade.
Regina Berg offerings for writers over 55 are made possible by a generous anonymous donor.
Regina Berg Emerging Writer Award
The Regina Berg Emerging Writer Award is a new offering for emerging writers over the age of 55 (five awards are reserved for writers over 65).
Awardees receive fully subsidized participation in the community at Louis Place for our spring 2026 season (February - May). Awardee writers have access to all at Louis Place offerings, including monthly guest workshops, weekly writing groups (note that our weekly groups are intergenerational), and daily co-writing.
The Regina Berg Emerging Writer Award is open to all artists who write, including those who have not yet or not recently presented their work publicly.
Eligibility
- The Emerging Writer Award is open to writers age 55+ working in any form or medium
- We welcome writers at all emerging stages, including new writers who have not yet or not recently presented their work professionally.
- Creative artists who integrate writing into their practice with intention (choreographers, visual artists, etc.) are welcome to apply; please indicate your relationship to writing in your application.
- Writers must demonstrate seriousness of intent and alignment with our shared values, just like all writers entering the community at Louis Place
- Members currently writing with us are welcome to apply
- Writers who have a book-length publication (or equivalent in another medium) are not eligible for the emerging writer subsidy, but are welcome to register to join us in the community at Louis Place
Application process
Please apply using our standard registration form, check the box to be considered for the Regina Berg Emerging Writing Award, and respond to three questions:
- Choose your age range
- Confirm your eligibility as described above
- Short answer (less than 150 words): Describe your interest in participating in the community at Louis Place this spring
Registration for the spring season opens January 19, 2026 and closes January 28, 2026. Registration will be available at https://atlouisplace.com/yes.
Selection process
- All eligible writers will receive the Regina Berg Emerging Writer Award until the award cap is reached.
- All applications to join the community at Louis Place, including applications for this award, are carefully assessed by aLP staff before receiving an invitation.
- The award is capped at ten writers. Five awards are reserved for writers over 65.
- Eligible writers who register after the cap has been reached may join the community and support their participation according to our sliding scale system; any contribution is welcome.
“all that we have always been and more”:
a monthly retreat for seasoned writers
Beginning in February 2026, writers 55+ are invited to join our new monthly retreat for community and exchange. Modeled on our existing Breathing Room retreats for writers of color, all that we have always been and more is a monthly gathering facilitated by Quincy Flowers.
What the retreat offers
- An opportunity to connect with a focused, supportive cohort of writers
- Activities may include check-ins, reading together, writing together, and sharing work
Spring 2026 retreat dates (subject to change):
- February 28
- March 28
- April 25
- May 23
all that we have always been and more retreats are available to all eligible writers. Writers at Louis Place may RSVP and join using the link in the online hub. Writers outside the community may inquire at: quincy@atlouisplace.com.
at Louis Place is a sponsored artist with The Performance Zone Inc (dba The Field), a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization serving the arts community. Contributions to The Field earmarked for “at Louis Place” are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.