Deadline: 17 April 2025
The Africa Institute, Global Studies University invites applications for the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship, a distinguished program that celebrates and supports literary voices engaged in the creative expression of Africa and its diaspora in all forms and genres.
Through this residency, The Africa Institute continues to advance its commitment to shaping new paradigms in African and African diaspora studies while providing a dynamic space for intellectual and artistic exploration.
Funding Information
- The residency program welcomes applications from creative writers, including novelists, short story writers, playwrights, poets, and scriptwriters whose work relates to Africa and the African diaspora for a grant of 50,000 AED in total for the duration of the fellowship, which is inclusive of accommodation, a return airfare ticket, visa and the monthly stipend of 10,000 AED per month per fellow.
Eligible Projects
- The proposed project may be in Arabic or English though other languages will also be considered. To complete their work, recipients will be invited to Sharjah, UAE, for a three-month residency. Typically, the cohort begins in the fall of each year.
Eligibility Criteria
- The fellowship is open to both emerging and well-established creative writers.
- A strong record of creative literary excellence, including awards, fellowships, or other forms of recognition.
- Applicants must be actively working on a major literary project (a novel, memoir, collection of essays or poetry, film script, or a full-length play).
- Applicants must have at least one published work (book, journal, or significant online platform) or a substantial portfolio demonstrating their commitment to writing.
- Applicants working on themes related to Africa and the African diaspora are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Priority will be given to applicants who employ innovative approaches to storytelling, form, or language are given priority.
- Priority will be given to applicants whose work shows potential to contribute to critical literary culture, scholarship, or public discourse are given preference.
Application Requirements
- CV/résumé of the applicant
- A two-page summary (single space, font 12) of the project to be undertaken during the residency period, its significance, and a proposed date of completion.
- One sample of published or unpublished writings and/or creative work to be evaluated.
For more information, visit The Africa Institute.
