JIAS 2026 Writing Fellowship

Opportunity type: Grant

For: Scholars and creative practitioners

Deadline: 31/10/25

Rewards: Fully funded 3-month residency in Johannesburg + R90,000 + accommodation, meals, flights, and more

Location Eligibility: Worldwide

About this opportunity

The Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) invites applications for its ninth Writing Fellowship, taking place 1 April – 30 June 2026. Centred on the theme of Global Blackness, the fellowship explores the multiplicity of Black experiences, intellectual traditions, and creative practices. Fellows are invited to engage with the geographies, practices, and theories of Blackness across diverse contexts.

While strong projects within the theme are prioritised, exceptional work outside it will also be considered. The fellowship offers space and time for deep research, writing, and creative production free from the usual demands of academic and professional life.

Rewards

• Scholars: Must hold a PhD and demonstrate meaningful engagement in their field through research or publications
• Creative practitioners: No PhD required, but must show a strong record of exhibitions, projects, or interdisciplinary research
• Preference for applicants from or closely aligned to Global South contexts, as well as women and gender-diverse applicants of colour
• Must propose a definite writing or creative project (e.g. book in progress, new body of work)
• Fellows are expected to keep external commitments to a minimum during the residency

Entry Fee

Free

How to Apply

Apply using the link: JIAS 2026 Writing Fellowship

All questions regarding this competition should be sent to jiasinfo@uj.ac.za