Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Zubaan Fellowship supports writers and illustrators in creating graphic and illustrated narratives that highlight women’s histories for young adults. Fellows receive INR 100,000 over eight months to develop 20–25 page narratives, participate in a five-day residential workshop, and collaborate with mentors, with a focus on gender-inclusive storytelling and marginalized narratives.
Overview of the Fellowship
The Zubaan Fellowship encourages the creation of gender-inclusive historical narratives for young adult audiences in India.
The programme focuses on:
- Retelling untold and marginalized women’s histories
- Promoting graphic and illustrated storytelling formats
- Making content accessible in multiple Indian languages
- Encouraging critical thinking and engagement among young readers
Selected fellows will produce a 20–25 page graphic narrative or comic that may explore:
- Individual stories of women
- Collectives and movements
- Legal and policy interventions influenced by women
- Contributions of women to modern India
Funding and Duration
- Fellowship amount: INR 100,000 (less applicable taxes)
- Disbursement: Three instalments based on milestones: approval, draft submission, and final completion
- Duration: 8 months
- Workshops: Includes a five-day residential workshop with mentorship support
- Mentorship: Guidance provided for storyboarding, drafting, revisions, and final submission
Who is Eligible
Applicants must:
- Identify as women, queer, trans, or nonbinary
- Be writers, illustrators, or graphic artists interested in young adult content
- Be committed to completing a full graphic narrative within eight months
- Be available to attend the residential workshop and collaborate with mentors
- Preferably be aged 20–40 years
Preference is given to applicants from marginalized communities, including:
- Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi/Tribal, Northeast Indian, and religious minority backgrounds
How the Fellowship Works
- Application Submission – Applicants submit proposals showcasing interest, experience, and story ideas.
- Selection – Candidates are shortlisted based on creative potential, relevance to women’s histories, and commitment to the fellowship.
- Workshop & Mentorship – Fellows participate in a residential workshop and receive ongoing guidance from mentors.
- Story Development – Fellows develop storyboards, drafts, and revisions leading to the final graphic narrative.
- Completion & Payment – Fellowship funds are disbursed in three instalments tied to key project milestones.
Why This Fellowship Matters
- Amplifies women’s contributions and histories often missing from mainstream narratives
- Promotes visual and graphic storytelling as a medium for young adults
- Encourages inclusion of marginalized voices in historical narratives
- Fosters critical thinking, creativity, and cultural engagement among readers
- Builds professional capacity for emerging writers and illustrators
Tips for Applicants
- Highlight experience or interest in gender, history, culture, and art
- Demonstrate ability to develop engaging visual storytelling for young adults
- Show commitment to meeting deadlines and participating in workshops
- Emphasize innovative approaches to untold or marginalized histories
- Include clear ideas for story structure, characters, and visual elements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Women, queer, trans, or nonbinary writers and illustrators aged 20–40, preferably from marginalized communities.
2. What is the fellowship amount?
INR 100,000 (less applicable taxes), disbursed in three instalments based on milestones.
3. How long is the fellowship?
Eight months, including a five-day residential workshop.
4. What are the deliverables?
A 20–25 page graphic narrative or comic focused on women’s histories.
5. Are mentors provided?
Yes, fellows receive mentorship for storyboarding, drafting, revisions, and final submission.
6. Is prior experience required?
Applicants should demonstrate experience or strong interest in gender, history, culture, and visual storytelling.
7. Are marginalized communities prioritized?
Yes, preference is given to Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi/Tribal, Northeast Indian, and religious minority applicants.
Conclusion
The Zubaan Fellowship empowers writers and illustrators to reshape historical narratives by foregrounding women’s contributions to modern India. By supporting creative, visual, and inclusive storytelling, the programme nurtures young adult literature that engages readers, highlights marginalized voices, and fosters critical thinking across generations.
For more information, visit Zubaan.