Johannesburg Institute For Advanced Study (JIAS) Writing Fellowship For African Creatives 2025: Apply Now!

About the JIAS 2025 Writing Fellowship

Applications are now open for the 2025 Writing Fellowship offered by the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS). This prestigious program provides a serene environment for African creatives, scholars, and thought leaders to focus on their writing or creative projects while engaging with the thought-provoking theme of Global Blackness.

Spanning from April 1 to June 30, 2025, the fellowship presents an invaluable opportunity to explore and celebrate the diverse narratives, intellectual traditions, and theories tied to Blackness across global geographies.

The fellowship is designed to support projects that advance scholarly and creative contributions to the understanding of global blackness. By providing time, resources, and collaborative space, JIAS enables fellows to work without the interruptions of daily professional or academic responsibilities.

Focus Areas

The fellowship welcomes projects in:

Writing: books, scripts, interdisciplinary research, or similar works.

Creative endeavours: visual arts, performance, multimedia projects, or other creative disciplines.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to both scholars and creative practitioners who meet the following requirements:

For Scholars
- Must hold a PhD or demonstrate significant engagement in their field through publications or projects.
For Creative Practitioners
- A PhD is not required; however, applicants must have a proven track record of impactful work and interdisciplinary research.

Additional Considerations
- Priority is given to applicants from or aligned with Global South contexts.
- Women and gender-diverse creatives of colour are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on:

Relevance and Originality: How well the project aligns with and innovatively explores the theme of global blackness.
Track Record: Evidence of the applicant’s contributions and accomplishments in their field.

Feasibility and Impact: The potential for the project to be completed and make an impact within the fellowship period.
Alignment with JIAS Goals: Projects that foster interdisciplinary and exploratory research are prioritised.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected fellows will enjoy:

Travel: Roundtrip airfare (economy) to Johannesburg.
Accommodation: Private housing at JIAS.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch are provided on weekdays.

Monthly Stipend: ZAR 90,000 over three months to support living and project expenses.
Facilities Access: Full use of the University of Johannesburg’s facilities.
Enrichment Activities: Participation in monthly events designed to inspire and connect fellows.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following in PDF format:

CV and Bio: Include professional and academic achievements.
Headshot: A clear photograph (links to relevant work can also be included).

Motivation Letter: A short (maximum 250 words) explanation of why Johannesburg and JIAS are ideal for your project.
Project Outline: A detailed description (maximum 1000 words) of your writing or creative project, including:
- A synopsis of your proposed work.
- An artist’s statement (if applicable).
- Supporting materials such as images or links to previous works.

How to Apply

Prepare Documents: Ensure all required materials are in PDF format.

Submit via email: Send your application to jiasinfo@uj.ac.za with the subject line:
“2025 Writing Fellowship Application [Full Name]”.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by January 4, 2025 (midnight SAST).

The JIAS Writing Fellowship offers a rare blend of creative solitude, intellectual stimulation, and global connectivity. Fellows will not only advance their work but also contribute to a broader discourse on global blackness, enriching global understanding of the Black experience.

Don’t miss this chance to refine your craft, amplify your voice, and join a community of like-minded visionaries.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY