The next open call will be launched in December 2021.
Mophradat is supporting emerging creative writers from the Arab world working in the genres of contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Published authors currently working on a new piece of writing for publication, and in need of time to focus on its completion can apply to this program. The program offers a short sabbatical period to two or more writers per open call. Each writer will receive a stipend to allow them to take time out from their daily preoccupations and complete their project.
The participant would receive an amount that ranges from US$600 to US$1,300 per month determined by Mophradat based on the local living costs in the writer’s country of residence, and covers a period from one month up to three months depending on the writer’s need. Applicants must have a publisher interested in their upcoming work (online or print, including independent book publishers, periodicals, or other literary or cultural journals qualify).
SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Applicants must be from or living in the Arab world.
- Applicants must be authors of creative writing including fiction, poetry, criticism, essay, and other artistic forms. These sabbaticals are not for academic writing, film, or journalism.
- Applicants must be published writers with at least two prior instances of publication.
- Applicants must provide a letter of interest from a publisher for the new work that will be developed with this sabbatical. Innovative proposals in method and form will be given priority.
- Applicants must commit to taking leave from their day jobs for the entire sabbatical period (For those who are selected: If employed, a letter from their place of employment must be provided confirming the agreed time out).
PROCESS
- All applicants, whether selected or not, receive a response to their applications.
- Please note that due to the high volume of applications and the confidentiality of the selection process, Mophradat cannot provide individual feedback explaining why an application was not selected.
- Upon selection, a grant agreement will be signed between the recipient and Mophradat.
- Funds will be released in a two-stage process: 70 percent when the grant agreement is signed, and the remaining 30 percent at the end of the grant period upon submission of the completed manuscript and a short narrative summary of what was achieved.
- The grantee engages to visibly credit Mophradat for the publication of their work, and send copies of any printed material to its office in Brussels.
The program is based on an annual open call launched at the end of the year.
