CFAs: Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship Program (Africa)

Deadline: 01-Mar-2026

The Africa Institute at Global Studies University offers the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship, supporting writers whose work engages with Africa and its diaspora. Fellows receive a three-month residency in Sharjah, UAE, with a total grant of 50,000 AED covering accommodation, airfare, visa support, and a stipend. The fellowship welcomes novelists, poets, playwrights, and scriptwriters, supporting both emerging and established voices.

Overview of the Fellowship

The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship celebrates and supports literary voices from Africa and the African diaspora. It provides a dedicated space for intellectual and artistic exploration, encouraging innovative approaches to storytelling, form, and language.

The fellowship aligns with the institute’s mission to:

• Shape new paradigms in African and African diaspora studies

• Foster critical literary culture, scholarship, and public discourse

• Support creative writers across genres including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and scripts

• Promote innovative storytelling and experimental forms

Fellowship Details

• Duration: 3 months

• Location: Sharjah, UAE

• Grant: 50,000 AED covering:

  • Accommodation

  • Return airfare

  • Visa support

  • Monthly stipend of 10,000 AED

• Languages: Projects may be proposed in Arabic, English, or other languages

• Start Time: Typically begins in fall each year

Who is Eligible?

The fellowship is open to:

• Emerging and established writers actively working on a major literary project

• Writers of novels, memoirs, essays, poetry collections, film scripts, or full-length plays

• Applicants with at least one published work, either as a book, journal article, or significant online publication

What Fellows Receive

Selected fellows will:

• Receive financial support and residency accommodations in Sharjah

• Have opportunities to publish through the institute’s publications program

• Receive support for theatre or film script projects, either as text publications or facilitation toward production

• Gain access to a creative community and mentorship during the residency

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé

2. One-page cover letter outlining motivation for applying

3. Two-page project statement detailing:

   • Project description and significance

   • Proposed timeline

   • Relationship between writing sample and project

4. One published writing sample or creative work

Application Deadline: Sunday, March 1, 2026

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty and fellows. Selection is based on:

• Quality of the project proposal

• Feasibility of completing the project within the three-month residency

• Potential contribution to literary culture and scholarship

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly demonstrate how the project engages Africa or the African diaspora

• Ensure the project can be realistically completed in three months

• Highlight previous publications and relevant experience

• Present a cohesive and compelling project statement linking writing samples to the proposed work

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this fellowship?
Emerging and established creative writers with at least one published work and a project related to Africa or its diaspora.

2. What types of projects are eligible?
Novels, memoirs, essays, poetry collections, full-length plays, and film or theatre scripts are eligible.

3. Is the fellowship funded?
Yes, fellows receive 50,000 AED covering accommodation, airfare, visa support, and a monthly stipend.

4. What languages are accepted?
Projects may be proposed in Arabic, English, or other languages.

5. Can a work in progress be submitted?
Yes, projects can be new or works in progress, provided they are feasible to complete during the residency.

6. Where is the residency held?
Residency is located in Sharjah, UAE.

7. How are fellows selected?
A committee evaluates proposals based on quality, feasibility, and potential contribution to literary culture.

Conclusion

The Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for writers to develop major literary projects in a supportive, international environment. With funding, mentorship, and access to a vibrant creative community, the fellowship fosters innovation, critical engagement, and meaningful contributions to African and African diaspora literature.

For more information, visit The Africa Institute.