The Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) invites applications for its ninth Writing Fellowship programme, which will run from 1 April to 30 June 2025. This year’s fellowship centers on the theme of Global Blackness, exploring the multiplicity of Black experience, intellectual traditions, and perspectives.

 

About the Fellowship

The JIAS ’25 Writing Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for established scholars, creative practitioners, and thought leaders to explore the complexities of Global Blackness. The fellowship aims to foster innovative research, creative work, and intellectual exchange, with a focus on the Global South.

 

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants should:

– Hold a PhD qualification (for academic applicants) or demonstrate a strong track record of exhibitions, projects, and interdisciplinary research (for creative practitioner applicants)

– Demonstrate meaningful engagement within their field(s) of research

–  Thjs program will give preference to applicants from or closely aligned to Global South contexts, as well as women and gender-diverse applicants of color. 

 

Requirements for the JIAS ’25 Writing Fellowship 

To apply, applicants should submit:

– A CV, bio, and headshot

– A brief motivation (max 250 words) outlining why Johannesburg and JIAS present a meaningful location for the proposed research project

– A research project outline (max 1000 words) detailing a definite writing project or creative project to be worked on during the residency period

– Where relevant, images and links can be included in the PDF document

 

Benefits

The fellowship offers:

– Flights to and from Johannesburg

– Accommodation in a private residential suite at JIAS

– Daily breakfast and lunch during the week

– Monthly enrichment activities

– Access to the facilities of the nearby University of Johannesburg

– A taxable monthly stipend (total budget over 3 months: ZAR 90 000)

 

Application Process

Applications should be submitted as PDF documents to jiasinfo@uj.ac.za,  with the following email subject line: “JIAS ’25 Writing Fellowship Application [insert full name]”.

 

Virtual interviews of long-listed applicants will take place during the first two weeks of February.

 

Here are some tips on how to apply for writing contests 

 

Deadline

The application deadline for the JIAS ’25 Writing Fellowship is 4 January 2025, midnight SAST.