THE BICULTURAL WRITERS’ FELLOWSHIP
THE NEW STORY OF IOWA
The traditional story of Iowa is one of farming-based settlements and European immigrants. But today’s Iowa is a different story—a uniquely beautiful tapestry woven from people of many backgrounds, many of whom are experiencing America for the first time through the lens of our state. This new story needs to be told, especially by the voices of those who are experiencing it firsthand, so that we can all gain new perspectives of who we are as Iowans.
The 2020 theme was Risk That Rewards. Our goal this year was to collect stories of immigrants and bicultural people who have found prosperity here in the state of Iowa. We are looking for stories of those who have not only prospered as individuals but have also helped make their communities stronger.
THE RESIDENCY
The Bicultural Iowa Writers’ Fellowship (BIWF) is the state’s first fully funded residency for emerging writers who are immigrants and non-native Iowans. The fellowship provides education, support, and resources from the renowned literary community of Iowa. It offers space and time for writers to explore their multilayered identities and the platform to share their stories with a state-wide audience, including publication in the We the Interwoven book series. This program creates a testimonial as a professionally published artwork that tells a new story of our state.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
BIWF will give three emerging writers an unmatched opportunity to grow in their writing abilities and professional resources. Each fellow will receive the following opportunities and benefits:
Guided introduction to the Iowa City–City of Literature community and its resources
Lodging and meals at the Iowa Writers’ House for three extended weekend residencies
Meetings with industry experts and established writers - Expansion of literary professional network
Collaborative workshops and guidance - Support in translation from a university MFA student
$500 honorarium
$150 transportation stipend
Digital/print publication of the final project collection
PAST THEMES & WRITING FELLOWSHIP AWARDS
Our 2020 fellowship theme was RISK THAT REWARDS. To apply, we asked writers to draft out the story they wish to tell, either their story or the story of someone in their family, or both intertwined! As part of the application we provided some sample writing prompts to help get you started! We recommend that you start writing your story sooner than later.
Three stories were chosen and their writers awarded as BIWF fellows. Fellows are given the opportunity to come to the house over 3 weekend residencies and develop these essays further over a 5-month period. Honorable mention essays were also chosen for potential publication in the final collection. These writers are provided with individual editorial feedback and coaching memos to help them improve their essays.
The final collection was published as We the Interwoven, Volume 3.
Writing samples for the application should be written in English. Proficiency in English is required to ensure fellows can make the most of the BIWF educational opportunities and fully participate in the residencies. However, our goal is to honor the fellows' bicultural languages; therefore, we work with fellows and translators in order to translate the pieces into the relevant language for publication in We the Interwoven. Fellows commit to completing their writing projects for publication within the timeline provided, holding one reading in their town, and attending the final project celebration and presentation of work.
ELIGIBILITY
This program is open to all Iowa residents who are immigrants or are from immigrant families (first, second, or third generation), people of mixed heritage, and adoptees. Three fellows will be chosen. Applicants should be interested in writing about issues relating to identity, culture, and place, as well as passionate about sharing their voice and the voices of their communities. A general understanding of English is important to ensure the fellows can make the most of the BIWF experience and can communicate with the workshop instructors and other fellows.
FELLOWS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL THREE RESIDENCIES.
If you have a question concerning your eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact us at welcome@iowawritershouse.com
6. KEY DATES
October: Application opens
Early November: Application closes midnight CST
November: Review of applications; awarded fellows and honorable mentions contacted
December: Residency #1
January: Residency #2
February - March: Residency #3
End of March: Fellowship projects due
April-May: Editing, Revisions, & Translation
June: Publication
Late summer: Launch events in Iowa City & Des Moines