JIAS Writing Fellowship 2025 | Fully Funded Opportunity

The Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) at the University of Johannesburg invites applications for the JIAS Writing Fellowship 2025. This prestigious and fully funded three-month residency program offers scholars, practitioners, and creative leaders a unique opportunity to focus on their research and creative projects in Johannesburg, South Africa. With the theme “Global Blackness,” the fellowship aims to foster intellectual exploration and creativity across various disciplines and geographies.

Overview of the JIAS Writing Fellowship 2025

• Host Country: South Africa
• Location: Johannesburg
• Duration: Three months (1st April to 30th June 2025)
• Theme: Global Blackness
• Benefits: Fully funded
• Application Deadline: 4th January 2025

This program is designed to provide fellows with the time, space, and resources to delve deeply into their work, free from the typical academic and professional responsibilities.

Financial Benefits of the JIAS Writing Fellowship

The JIAS Writing Fellowship offers comprehensive financial support, ensuring that participants can focus entirely on their research or creative projects. The benefits include:

• Round-trip Flights: Fully funded travel to and from Johannesburg.
• Accommodation: Private, comfortable living quarters provided for the duration of the fellowship.
• Daily Meals: Complimentary meals from Monday to Friday.
• Monthly Activities: Engaging events and activities to enrich the fellowship experience.
• University Access: Full access to the University of Johannesburg’s resources.
• Monthly Stipend: Financial support to cover additional living expenses.

This robust support structure underscores the program’s commitment to enabling fellows to dedicate themselves entirely to their work.

Why Choose the JIAS Writing Fellowship?

The JIAS Writing Fellowship is a unique initiative that prioritizes intellectual and creative freedom. Fellows benefit from:

• Dedicated Time and Space: The program provides an environment free from teaching, administrative duties, and other professional obligations.
• Focus on Global Blackness: The 2025 theme encourages participants to engage with the diverse experiences, intellectual traditions, and theories of Blackness across various contexts.
• Creative and Academic Exploration: The fellowship supports experimental research and creative endeavors, fostering innovation and intellectual growth.
• Global South Perspective: By hosting the fellowship in Johannesburg, JIAS emphasizes the importance of the Global South in shaping global discourses.

Eligibility Criteria

The JIAS Writing Fellowship is open to a diverse range of applicants. To be eligible, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent qualification.
• Proven Track Record: A strong history of research or creative work, demonstrated through publications, projects, or exhibitions.
• Preference for the Global South: Priority is given to applicants from the Global South.
• Diversity Focus: Preference for women and gender-diverse applicants of color.

These criteria ensure that the fellowship attracts a diverse cohort of talented individuals dedicated to advancing their fields.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following materials to complete their application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting academic and professional achievements.
• Biography and Headshot: A brief personal biography accompanied by a professional headshot.
• Motivation Letter: A concise explanation (maximum 250 words) of why Johannesburg and JIAS are ideal for the proposed project.
• Research Project Outline: A comprehensive description (maximum 1,000 words) of the writing or creative project. This can include a synopsis, abstract, screenplay, artist’s statement, or other relevant outlines.

These documents allow the selection committee to assess the applicant’s qualifications, vision, and alignment with the fellowship’s objectives.

How to Apply for the JIAS Writing Fellowship 2025

The application process for the JIAS Writing Fellowship is straightforward and accessible:

• Prepare the Required Documents: Ensure all application materials are in PDF format.
• Email Submission: Send the application materials to jiasinfo@uj.ac.za with the subject line: “2025 Writing Fellowship Application [Full Name].”

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline of 4th January 2025 to ensure consideration.

The Theme: Global Blackness

The 2025 fellowship’s theme, “Global Blackness,” invites participants to explore the multifaceted dimensions of Blackness across geographies and contexts. This theme encompasses:

• Diverse Experiences: Examining how Blackness manifests in different cultural, social, and political settings.
• Intellectual Traditions: Engaging with the rich history of Black thought and its contributions to global knowledge.
• Theoretical Frameworks: Developing new theories and perspectives on Blackness in the contemporary world.

By focusing on this theme, the fellowship aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of Blackness as a global phenomenon.

Benefits of Participating in the JIAS Writing Fellowship

Participation in the JIAS Writing Fellowship offers numerous advantages:

• Professional Growth: Fellows have the opportunity to advance their research or creative projects in a supportive environment.
• Networking Opportunities: Interaction with a diverse cohort of scholars and creatives fosters collaboration and intellectual exchange.
• Access to Resources: Fellows can utilize the University of Johannesburg’s extensive academic and creative resources.
• Global Impact: The fellowship’s focus on Global Blackness positions participants to contribute meaningfully to global discourses.

The JIAS Writing Fellowship 2025 is a unique opportunity for scholars, practitioners, and creatives to immerse themselves in a focused and supportive environment. With its fully funded structure, emphasis on the Global South, and exploration of the theme “Global Blackness,” the fellowship promises to be a transformative experience for participants. By removing the typical burdens of professional life, JIAS enables fellows to dedicate themselves entirely to their work, fostering innovation and intellectual growth.

Interested individuals are encouraged to prepare their applications and submit them by the 4th of January 2025. This fellowship not only offers a platform for personal and professional development but also contributes to the global discourse on Blackness, making it an invaluable experience for those selected.

For more information, visit the official website or contact JIAS directly at jiasinfo@uj.ac.za.

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