Fellowship Opportunity: Writing Residency at the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS)
The Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) is pleased to announce its Ninth Writing Fellowship programme, set to run from 1 April to 30 June 2025. This year’s fellowship focuses on the theme of Global Blackness, exploring the multiplicity of Black experiences, intellectual traditions, and perspectives worldwide.
Theme: Global Blackness
JIAS seeks to examine:
- The geographies, practices, and theories of Blackness.
- How Blackness manifests across different spaces and times.
The fellowship is open to established scholars, creative practitioners, and thought leaders, with preference given to individuals from or aligned with Global South contexts.
Eligibility Criteria
- Scholars: PhD qualification with demonstrated engagement in research and publications.
- Creative Practitioners: No PhD required but must show a strong track record of exhibitions, projects, and interdisciplinary research.
- Preference for applicants from or closely aligned with Global South contexts, as well as women and gender-diverse applicants of color.
What JIAS Offers
Writing Fellows will receive:
- Flights: Return economy airfare to/from Johannesburg.
- Accommodation: Private residential suite at JIAS.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch (Monday to Friday).
- Stipend: Taxable monthly stipend (total: ZAR 90,000 over three months).
- Facilities Access: University of Johannesburg amenities.
- Enrichment Activities: Monthly events to foster engagement and collaboration.
Expectations
Fellows will work on a definitive writing or creative project (e.g., a book, screenplay, or art project) and are encouraged to minimize outside commitments to focus fully on their residency.
How to Apply
Submit the following as PDF documents via email to jiasinfo@uj.ac.za with the subject line:
“2025 Writing Fellowship Application [Your Full Name]”
- CV, bio, and headshot (include relevant links).
- Motivation Letter (max 250 words) explaining why Johannesburg and JIAS are meaningful for your proposed project.
- Research/Creative Project Outline (max 1,000 words) detailing your project. Include a synopsis or abstract for writing projects or an artist’s statement/project outline for creative work. Images and links may be included.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 January 2025, midnight SAST.
- Virtual Interviews: First two weeks of February 2025.
Explore this unique opportunity to focus on experimental research and creative work in the Global South.
For more information, visit JIAS Website.
