| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | Thursday, April 17, 2025 |
| Fellowship Name | Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship |
| Organizer | The Africa Institute, Global Studies University |
| Location | Sharjah, UAE |
| Grant Amount | 50,000 AED total (including accommodation, airfare, visa, and a stipend of 10,000 AED per month) |
| Eligibility | Novelists, short story writers, playwrights, poets, and scriptwriters focusing on Africa and its diaspora |
| Languages | Arabic, English, and other African languages considered |
| Residency Duration | Three months |
| Publication & Production Support | The Africa Institute may publish texts or facilitate productions of theatre and film scripts |
| Application Link | Visit the Official Webpage |
The 2025 Africa Institute Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship is now open for applications, offering a prestigious opportunity for writers focused on Africa and its diaspora. This esteemed program provides a platform for literary talent to flourish, fostering creative expression in multiple genres. Hosted in Sharjah, UAE, the fellowship aligns with The Africa Institute’s mission to advance African and African diaspora studies while nurturing innovative narratives.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship was established to honor Tejumola Olaniyan, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and literary critic. Olaniyan’s contributions to African and African diaspora studies have left an indelible mark on academia, and this initiative continues his legacy by supporting literary talent engaged in the creative exploration of African narratives.
Since its inception in Fall 2022, the fellowship has welcomed exceptional writers, providing them with a stimulating environment in Sharjah, a crucial hub of African-Arab cultural interaction. The program encourages the development of literary works that challenge perspectives and introduce new paradigms in storytelling.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive a total grant of 50,000 AED, which includes:
- A monthly stipend of 10,000 AED
- Accommodation for the three-month residency
- Return airfare ticket
- Visa support
- Publication opportunities through The Africa Institute
- Support for theatre and film projects, either through publication or production facilitation
Eligibility Criteria
The program welcomes applications from creative writers, including:
- Novelists
- Short story writers
- Playwrights
- Poets
- Scriptwriters
Applicants must demonstrate a strong connection to African and African diaspora themes in their work. Submissions can be in Arabic, English, or other African languages. The proposed project may be a new piece or a work-in-progress but should be feasible for completion within the residency’s duration.
Application Process
Interested applicants must submit:
- A detailed project proposal (outlining their creative work and its relevance to Africa/African diaspora studies).
- A CV/Resume highlighting their previous literary accomplishments.
- A sample of their work (e.g., manuscript, short stories, or script excerpts).
- A statement of intent describing their objectives for the residency.
All applications must be submitted before the deadline on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Why Apply?
The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship is a rare opportunity for African and African diaspora writers to:
- Engage in a culturally immersive experience in Sharjah.
- Work within a supportive literary environment.
- Publish their works through a globally recognized institute.
- Receive financial and logistical support to focus entirely on their creative endeavors.
About Tejumola Olaniyan
Tejumola Olaniyan was a renowned Nigerian academic and literary critic, holding prestigious positions such as the Louise Durham Mead Professor of English and African Cultural Studies and Wole Soyinka Professor of the Humanities at the University of Wisconsin. His academic journey spanned across the University of Ife (Nigeria) and Cornell University (USA), where he earned multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. His work significantly shaped African literary discourse, making this fellowship a fitting tribute to his intellectual legacy.
Conclusion
The 2025 Africa Institute Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship is an invaluable opportunity for creative writers passionate about African narratives. With a generous grant, full residency support, and the chance to be part of an elite literary cohort, this program is designed to inspire and uplift voices in African literature.
For more information and to apply, visit: Official Webpage of the Africa Institute Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship.
