2025 Africa Institute Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship

The Africa Institute, Global Studies University invites applications for the Tejumola Olaniyan Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship, a distinguished program that celebrates and supports literary voices engaged in the creative expression of Africa and its diaspora in all forms and genres.

Established in honor of the late Nigerian scholar Tejumola Olaniyan, a renowned literary critic whose work profoundly shaped African and African diaspora studies, this fellowship reflects his legacy of intellectual rigor, creativity, and commitment to fostering new narratives. It aligns with The Africa Institute’s mission as a globally oriented center dedicated to research, postgraduate studies, and critical discourse on Africa and its worldwide connections.

Since its inception in Fall 2022, the fellowship has welcomed esteemed writers, fostering creative exchange and scholarship in Sharjah, UAE, an essential nexus of African-Arab cultural interaction. Through this residency, The Africa Institute continues to advance its commitment to shaping new paradigms in African and African diaspora studies while providing a dynamic space for intellectual and artistic exploration.

The proposed project may be in Arabic or English, though other languages will also be considered. To complete their work, recipients will be invited to Sharjah, UAE, for a three-month residency. Typically, the cohort begins in the fall of each year.

Recipients will have the opportunity to publish their texts through The Africa Institute’s publications program. Projects relating to theatre and film scripts can also be published as texts or receive support in facilitating productions. The project could be new or a work-in-progress and should be feasible for completion within the timeframe of the residency.

All applications will be reviewed by The Africa Institute through a committee of faculty and fellows. Three recipients will be chosen based on the quality of their proposal and the demonstrated feasibility of completion within the timeframe of the residency.

Benefits of Africa Institute Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship

The residency program welcomes applications from creative writers, including novelists, short story writers, playwrights, poets, and scriptwriters whose work relates to Africa and the African diaspora for a grant of 50,000 AED in total for the duration of the fellowship, which is inclusive of accommodation, a return airfare ticket, visa and the monthly stipend of 10,000 AED per month per fellow.

Requirements for Africa Institute Creative Writers-in-Residence Fellowship

The fellowship is open to both emerging and well-established creative writers.

A strong record of creative literary excellence, including awards, fellowships, or other forms of recognition.

Applicants must be actively working on a major literary project (a novel, memoir, collection of essays or poetry, film script, or a full-length play).

Applicants must have at least one published work (book, journal, or significant online platform) or a substantial portfolio demonstrating their commitment to writing.

Applicants working on themes related to Africa and the African diaspora are strongly encouraged to apply.

Priority will be given to applicants who employ innovative approaches to storytelling, form, or language are given priority.

Priority will be given to applicants whose work shows potential to contribute to critical literary culture, scholarship, or public discourse are given preference.

Application Documents

CV/résumé of the applicant

A two-page summary (single space, font 12) of the project to be undertaken during the residency period, its significance, and a proposed date of completion.

One sample of published or unpublished writings and/or creative work to be evaluated.

Application Deadline

April 17, 2025

How to Apply

To submit applications, compile all application materials; CV/résumé, two-page narrative and writing sample (in case of a book, please attach separately) into one single PDF in the mentioned order.

Please name the file with the residency title abbreviation and the applicant’s name in this format: OCWRP_LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME.pdf

Use the same name in the email subject heading and send the PDF as an email attachment to [email protected].