Pass It on: Creative Writing Residencies (for Arab Authors) in Belgium
The international contemporary arts association Mophradat is opening up a series of creative-writing residencies in Brussels, Belgium for authors “from the Arab world” in 2018 and 2019:
According to Mophradat’s Jenifer Evans, they’re looking for, “Any genre yes, as long as it’s ‘creative,” which excludes straightforward academic or journalistic work, although those could be a part of the project. “We are saying ‘fiction, poetry, criticism, cultural journalism, and other artistic forms.'”
According to the call for applicants, these six-week residencies are meant to provide an opportunity to work on a specific project:
Depending on the particular interests and needs of each writer, the residency may involve events, such as readings, workshops or seminars, partnerships with institutions in Flanders, such as literary organizations and arts venues, trips within the country, and mentorships with writers based in Belgium. Mophradat provides selected residents with economy return airfare, accommodation in a self-catering apartment, a weekly stipend, and reimbursement of visa costs.
Evans said the call will remain open until June 15, 2018*.
To be eligible:
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have a regular writing practice (all fields are welcome, including fiction, poetry, criticism, cultural journalism, and other artistic forms).
- Applicants must be published writers with at least two instances of publication.
- Applicants must be from the Arab world.
They also note that, “Applicants whose practice is in the Arabic language will be given priority.”
To apply, those interested in the residency must submit an application in Arabic or English to residency@mophradat.org, including an application form, CV, letter of interest, writing sample, and references.
More information on how to apply, and the application form, can be found at the Mophradat website.