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.