The Sylt Foundation calls all writers of
contemporary African literature to apply for the two month African Writer’s
Residency Award.
This is offered as part of the Sylt
Foundation Residency Programme. One residency will be awarded annually to an
African writer who has published (not self-published) literary works of either
poetry, prose, plays and novels. African literature refers to literature of and
from Africa.
The Foundation is located on the island of
Sylt, off the coast of Hamburg, Germany. The Foundation has an established
residency programme which offers opportunities to South African and
international visual artists, writers and photographers. It is managed under
the directorship of literary scholar and curator Indra Wussow.
This African Writer’s Residency offers an award
of a two month residency to writers of African literature, whose work engages
with contemporary themes related to Africa and the African Diaspora. The Award
is open to published writers of poetry, prose, plays and novels by an African
writer, whether in Africa or elsewhere, published in the English language.
Following the success of many years of
engagement with contemporary African and South African literature and writers,
the Foundation has sought to leverage its residency programme by inviting
applications from African writers who through a juried selection process, will
be awarded this invaluable opportunity. The winner will be selected by an
experienced and credible selection panel of literary professionals.
Previously residents were individually
invited onto this programme. In 2012, however, the residency procedures were
formalized and published African writers are now invited to submit applications
(as per the criteria) for selection onto the African Writers Residency
Programme. One residency is awarded each year to one winning applicant who will
take up this exciting opportunity to enjoy creative writing time at the
Foundation Kunst: Raum Sylt Quelle.
This period will provide the writer with:
- an opportunity to initiate or complete a
project in progress
- a quiet space suitable for contemplation
and research
- an uninterrupted period for writing
- a means to leverage their artistic
profile
- an opportunity to engage with other
international writers and artists
While writers are managing career and
personal demands, the vital process of conceptualizing and reflection,
researching and developing new ideas, so essential to the writing process is
often limited. A period of quiet uninterrupted time to focus on exploring ideas
is critical to this process - often a challenge when balancing the pressures of
everyday life.
The contemporary African writer who wins
this Award is expected to work on or complete the writing project they proposed
in their application. The residency aims to provide an opportunity for the
writer to develop ideas and to do research related to this project.
Writers of African literature are invited
to submit a project proposal of the project they wish to work on while in
residence. It can be a current or proposed literary project. Or a synopsis of
the novel, short story or poetry project
Applications to include copy of a valid
passport conforming to Schengen visa requirements; full curriculum vitae; writer’s
profile in English (500 words), and two letters of reference in English from
literary professionals, publishers or academics
Also required is an excerpt (stating the
publishers) from one published book; a volume of poetry, or a (publicly staged)
play with information as to where and when it was staged
Note: Digital applications in MS Word or
PDF documents only (no hard copy proposals accepted) (The copyright of all
published material will be respected by the Foundation so digital copies of
published books may be submitted and will be handled with due care. Material
submitted will not be returned to the applicant)
Selection will be by two separate panels,
convened by the Foundation and will comprise literary experts and the
Foundation’s director Indra Wussow (a literary scientist). Every year new
panellists will be appointed. The names of the panellists and their profiles
will be made public via the Sylt Foundation’s website (www.kunstraum-syltquelle.de) and
on Art Source South Africa’s Facebook page.
The initial Selection Panel will evaluate
all the applications received and will shortlist five finalists. The second
Judging Panel will review the finalist’s applications and projects. One winner
will be selected from the finalists and will be the recipient of the Sylt
Foundation African Writer’s Residency Award each year.
Art Source South Africa has been appointed
Organisers of the Award and manages this residency programme. The Organisers do
not vote and have no influence on the selection and judging process.
Key Dates For the 2014 African Writer’s
Residency:
- Deadline for application submission is 16h00
on February 21, 2014
- Announcement and notification of 5
shortlisted finalists April 1, 2014
- Announcement of Residency Award Winner April
30, 2014
- Residency to be taken up from June 2014 –
November 2015
No late applications will be considered.
Applications will be kept confidential. For additional information: www.artsourcesouthafrica.co.za
or Art Source South Africa’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/AfricanWritersResidency
Submit e-mail entries and direct enquiries
to Tammy Langtry on 011 447 2855 (Monday to Friday 09h00 to 16h00) or e-mail: admin@artsourcesouthafrica.co.za
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