The Africa Institute Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship is a distinguished program designed to support emerging and established writers from Africa in advancing their literary careers. Named in honor of the renowned Nigerian scholar Tejumola Olaniyan, this fellowship offers writers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a supportive and conducive environment for creative exploration and development.
The fellowship program provides selected writers with a residency at the Africa Institute, a leading center for research and cultural exchange located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. During their residency, fellows have access to dedicated writing space, resources, and mentorship from experienced writers and literary professionals. This immersive environment enables fellows to focus on their craft, explore new ideas, and develop their writing projects with the support and guidance of mentors and peers.
One of the key features of the Africa Institute Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship is its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in African literature. The fellowship welcomes writers from across the African continent and diaspora, representing a wide range of genres, styles, and perspectives. By fostering a vibrant and inclusive community of writers, the fellowship program celebrates the richness and diversity of African literary traditions and promotes cross-cultural dialogue and exchange.
In addition to their residency, fellows may have the opportunity to participate in public readings, workshops, and cultural events, both within the Africa Institute and in the broader community. These engagements provide fellows with opportunities to share their work with diverse audiences, connect with fellow writers and literary enthusiasts, and contribute to the vibrant literary scene in Sharjah and beyond.
The Africa Institute Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for writers to deepen their craft, expand their networks, and engage with new audiences. By providing a supportive and stimulating environment for creative exploration and collaboration, the fellowship program contributes to the growth and vitality of African literature and fosters a community of writers committed to excellence and innovation.
The Africa Institute, as part of its African Languages and Translation Program, opens applications for its third cohort of Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship for the academic year, 2024.
This residency program is created in honor of the late Nigerian Professor Tejumola Olaniyan and his remarkable intellectual legacy in the field of African literature and critical theory.
Benefits
- Recipients will have the opportunity to publish their texts through The Africa Institute’s publications program.
- Projects relating to theatre and film scripts can also be published as texts or receive support in facilitating productions. The project could be new or a work-in-progress and should be feasible for completion within the timeframe of the residency.
Requirements For The Africa Institute Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship.
The residency program welcomes applications from creative writers including novelists, short story writers, playwrights, poets and scriptwriters related to Africa and the African diaspora for a grant of 45,000 AED in total. The proposed project can be in Arabic or English (other languages will be considered). The residency invites recipients to Sharjah, UAE for a period of three months to complete their work. Typically the cohort begins in the fall of every year.
Selection Process
- All applications will be reviewed by The Africa Institute through a committee of peers of well-known writers.
- Three recipients will be chosen based on the quality of their proposal, and the demonstrated feasibility of completion within the timeframe of the residency.
Application Documents
- CV/résumé of the applicant
- A two-page narrative of the project to be undertaken during the residency period, its significance, and a proposed date of completion.
- A sample of published or unpublished writings.
Method of Application
To submit applications, compile all application materials; CV/résumé, two-page narrative and writing sample (in case of a book, please attach separately) into one single PDF in the mentioned order. Please name the file with the residency title abbreviation and the applicant’s name in this format: TOCWRP_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME. Use the same name in the email subject heading and send the PDF as an email attachment to [email protected].
Application Deadline: June 1, 2024.
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