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About the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers Fellowship
The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications. Hosted by The Africa Institute, Global Studies University, this prestigious fellowship offers a fully funded residency in Sharjah, UAE, along with a 50,000 AED grant to support creative writers engaged in themes related to Africa and its diaspora.
This program is an unparalleled opportunity for emerging and established writers to advance their literary projects in a stimulating, research-driven environment. If you are passionate about storytelling and exploring Africa’s diverse narratives through literature, this fellowship offers the resources and support to take your work to the next level.
The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship is named in honor of Tejumola Olaniyan, a celebrated Nigerian literary scholar and critic known for his contributions to African literature, postcolonial studies, and cultural criticism. This fellowship was created to uphold his intellectual legacy by nurturing new and innovative literary voices focused on Africa and its global diaspora.
The residency takes place in Sharjah, UAE, a city renowned for its commitment to literature, culture, and African-Arab scholarly exchange. During their stay, fellows will engage with other writers, researchers, and scholars, while benefiting from an environment that fosters deep literary and artistic exploration.
Which Literary Fields Are Eligible?
The fellowship welcomes writers across various creative disciplines, including:
- Novels
- Short stories
- Poetry
- Plays and scripts for theatre
- Film and television scripts
- Language learning materials and courses
If your work falls into any of these categories and engages with themes related to Africa or the African diaspora, this fellowship is an ideal opportunity for you.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to creative writers at all career levels, from emerging talents to well-established authors. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrated Excellence in Writing
- Applicants should have a strong record of literary achievement, such as published books, literary awards, previous fellowships, or significant recognition in their field.
- Engagement with African and Diaspora Themes
- The fellowship strongly encourages applications from writers exploring African identities, cultures, histories, and diasporic experiences in innovative and impactful ways.
- Active Literary Project
- Applicants must be actively working on a major creative writing project, which could be:
- A novel or memoir
- A collection of essays or poetry
- A film or theatre script
- A full-length play
- Applicants must be actively working on a major creative writing project, which could be:
- Publication History
- Applicants should have at least one published work (book, journal, or a recognized online platform). Alternatively, a strong portfolio of unpublished work demonstrating serious commitment to writing is also acceptable.
- Innovative Storytelling
- Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate:
- Unique storytelling techniques
- Innovative approaches to form or language
- A strong potential to contribute to literary culture, scholarship, or public discourse
- Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate:
What Are the Benefits of the Fellowship?
The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers Fellowship is one of the most generous residencies available for African and diaspora writers. It includes:
- 50,000 AED grant, covering the full duration of the fellowship.
- Fully funded accommodation in Sharjah, UAE.
- A return airfare ticket (to and from Sharjah).
- Visa sponsorship for the residency period.
- A monthly stipend of 10,000 AED to support living expenses.
- Publication opportunities through The Africa Institute’s publication program.
- Support for theatre or film script production, for selected projects.
This fellowship not only provides financial support but also offers a dynamic literary and cultural environment, allowing writers to focus entirely on their work without financial constraints.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents in a single PDF file:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Résumé
- A detailed CV highlighting your literary achievements, awards, publications, and relevant experience.
- Project Summary (2 pages, single-spaced, font size 12)
- A description of the literary project you intend to work on during the residency.
- Explanation of its significance, themes, and intended audience.
- A proposed timeline for completion.
- Sample of Published or Unpublished Work
- Submit a representative writing sample for evaluation.
- If submitting a book-length manuscript, attach it separately from the main application file.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit a successful application:
- Compile all application materials (CV, project summary, writing sample) into one single PDF file.
- Name the file using the following format:
- OCWRP_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME.pdf
- Use the same file name as the email subject line.
- Email the PDF file as an attachment to:
Conclusion
The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers Fellowship 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for creative writers with a passion for exploring African and diasporic narratives. If you are an innovative storyteller working on a significant literary project, this fully funded residency offers the financial support, creative space, and professional exposure needed to bring your work to life.
Ensure that you carefully prepare your application and submit it before the April 17, 2025 deadline. For more details, visit The Africa Institute’s official website or contact them via email at applications@theafricainstitute.org.
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See also:
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The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
