The 117° residency is for emerging and distinguished writers working in English who have published at least one book with a trade or literary press. This fellowship is for writers working on a project in nonfiction or poetry (or a hybrid work that includes one or both of those genres). The fellowship includes:
- A salary of $10,000 paid over a two-month period
- a two-month letter-of-appointment
- eligibility for optional health coverage
- office space at BMI on the campus of UNLV
- housing (fellows cover some utilities) in a unique and vibrant arts complex in the bustling district of downtown Las Vegas—home to The Writer’s Block, our city’s beloved independent bookstore
- recognition as a "BMI Fellow"
While there are no formal teaching requirements, this is a “working fellowship” located in Las Vegas. BMI’s visiting fellows will maintain office hours (1 day a week), and will offer regular service to the community. In addition to the primary goal of furthering one’s own writing during their term in Las Vegas, visiting fellows are expected to engage in a substantial way with BMI’s community in ways that connect to their interests and skills. Upon acceptance into the program, each fellow will craft a plan for community-engagement in partnership with BMI. This component is equally weighted along with the writing sample and proposed literary project in the application. Here are some examples of activities a visiting fellow might pursue:
- Offer readings, craft talks, and other public presentations to the readers and writers of UNLV and Southern Nevada.
- Offer workshops or seminars.
- Curate events or programs, live and virtual.
Please feel free to move beyond these examples in your application – BMI wants to find new ways to serve the Las Vegas community.
Application details
Please submit:
- A one-page personal statement,* which includes 1) your interest participating in the Las Vegas literary community, 2) a description of how you envision fulfilling your service hours and engaging the Las Vegas community, and 3) the writing project(s) you will work on while in residency.
- A writing sample (10 pages maximum,* double-spaced, 12 pt. font).
- A résumé or CV.
*Please respect the committee’s time by observing these guidelines and page limits.
Candidates are selected by a committee of staff and community members at BMI.
For more information, please consult our Fellowship FAQs.
The Black Mountain Institute-Kluge Fellowship consists of a three-month term for a writer whose book would directly benefit from access to the Library of Congress’ extensive collections and time in which to conduct research and write. Although this fellowship has some in-person requirements it is primarily virtual, wherein the recipient can continue most of their scholarship and creative activity where they live while receiving prestigious support from Black Mountain Institute and the Library of Congress. During the three-month term, the fellow will spend two weeks at the Library of Congress conducting research. After the conclusion of their fellowship, the scholar/writer will visit BMI and UNLV in Las Vegas to offer a public program during the academic year.
The fellowship includes
- a salary of $15,000 to be paid over a three-month period
- flights to/from Washington, D.C. for research at The Kluge Center
- flights to/from Las Vegas for a public program
- 3 nights of lodging in Las Vegas
- recognition as a BMI-Kluge Fellow
Applicants must have a master’s degree or doctorate directly related to the area/subjects the applicant proposes to study (although, major creative or scholarly publications in the area of the proposed research may replace the graduate degree requirement); or, a bachelor's degree plus five (5) years professional work experience.
The application includes
- a proposal regarding the project the fellowship would serve, 1 - 3 pages in length
- identification of specific Library collections materials that the applicant deems necessary for their research
- a CV
- a writing sample of no more than 10 pages, double-spaced in 12-point font
- three references’ names and contact information
ABOUT:
The Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute at UNLV champions writers and storytellers through programs, fellowships and community engagement. From the brightest spot on the planet, Black Mountain Institute amplifies writing and artistic expression to connect us to each other in the Las Vegas Valley, the Southwest, and beyond.
The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress was created in the year 2000 to host scholarly programs and to support scholars in residence from around the world in their use of the Library’s extensive collections.