The Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) invites applications for its 2025 Writing Fellowship, which will run from April 1 to June 30, 2025. This year’s theme, Global Blackness, explores the diverse experiences, intellectual traditions, and theories of Blackness across various geographies and contexts.

The fellowship welcomes applications from scholars, creative practitioners, and thought leaders, with a preference for those from or aligned with Global South contexts. Applicants should propose a specific writing or creative project (e.g., a book or new body of work) and explain why Johannesburg and JIAS are ideal for their residency. Interdisciplinary and collective projects are encouraged, and past fellows have included novelists, poets, playwrights, scientists, and journalists.

JIAS provides a platform for experimental research and creative work, free from the usual demands of professional life. During the three-month residency, fellows are encouraged to minimize external commitments so they can focus fully on their projects.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: January 4, 2025 (midnight SAST)
• Virtual Interview: early February 2025
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS), Johannesburg University
• Eligible Countries: All, preference to Global South contexts
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Scholars, creative practitioners, thought leaders
• Focus Area: Global Blackness; Interdisciplinary writing and research
• Duration: 3 months (April 1–June 30, 2025)
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: South Africa

Benefits and Financial Aids

The following are the benefits of the Writing Fellowship:

• A return economy flight to and from Johannesburg.
• Accommodation in a private residential suite at JIAS
• Daily breakfast and lunch (Monday–Friday).
• Monthly enrichment activities.
• Access to the University of Johannesburg’s facilities.
• A monthly stipend totaling ZAR 90,000 over the three-month residency

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following documents:

• Applicants must hold a PhD and demonstrate meaningful engagement in their field (e.g., publications, research projects).
• A PhD is not required but must show a strong track record of exhibitions, projects, or interdisciplinary research.
• Preference goes to individuals from or aligned with Global South contexts.
• Women and gender-diverse applicants of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following as PDF files via email to [email protected] with the subject line: “2025 Writing Fellowship Application [Full Name]”:

• CV, Bio, and Headshot: Include links to websites or other relevant resources, if applicable.
• Motivation Letter: A 250-word statement explaining why Johannesburg and JIAS are meaningful for the proposed project
• Project Outline: A detailed 1000-word description of the writing or creative project, including a synopsis or abstract for publications, screenplays, or creative works.

How to Apply?

• Prepare the required documents listed above as PDF files.
• Please email the documents to [email protected] with the subject line “2025 Writing Fellowship Application [Your Full Name].“
• Submit your application before the deadline: January 4, 2025 (midnight SAST).

Further details and information regarding the Writing Fellowship are available on the official JIAS website.

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