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Níts'áá dóó Ídahwiil'aah Fellowship

Diné College Seeks Visiting Fellows for the

Nits'áá dóó ídaahwiil'aah "We are Learning From You"

Fellows Program

Diné College announces the Nits'áá dóó í aahwiil'aah "We are learning from you" fellowship program. Diné College seeks visiting scholars, artists, political leaders, and public intellectuals, to live in residence as a fellow at Diné College's main campus in Tsaile, Arizona campus for one school year year, semester, summer, or one month term. The Fellows Program offers a unique opportunity for Diné to come home to the Nation's college and share their knowledge as well as expand their knowledge through research and or the creative process.

The intention of the Fellows Program is to advance the research, artistic, or policy agendas of visiting Fellows, and to use their expertise to engage with the humanities, arts, and interpretive social sciences in order to benefit Diné College students and the wider Navajo community. The Fellow will work in partnership with students at Diné College in order to expand and disseminate Navajo wisdom to inform audiences both within and outside of the Navajo Nation. Fellows will live in residence in a modern eight sided hogan located in the quiet faculty community adjacent to the Tsaile campus, located near the Chuska mountains. Funded through a grant from the Mellon Foundation, the Nits'áá dóó í aahwiil'aah "We are learning

Dr. Wendy S. Greyeyes, the current Nits'áá dóó í aahwiil'aah fellow. An associate professor in Native American Studies at University of New Mexico. During this year, she is on sabbatical leave and excited to host Nits'áá dóó í aahwiil'aah"We are learning from you" Podcast.

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Níts'áá dóó Ídahwiil'aah Fellowship Diné College Seeks Visiting Fellows for the Nits'áá dóó ídaahwiil'aah "We are Learning From You" Fellows Program Diné College announces the Nits'áá dóó í aahwiil'aah "We are learning from you" fellowship program.

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Location & Term

The period of this fellowship is September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025. This includes a six-week phase of virtual meetings and activities at the start of the fellowship term with a focus on professional development activities aimed to build the skills and capacity of the fellow to conduct research. This initial period includes training and orientation to the museum's collections and other resources at the Smithsonian, refining the proposed research project and timeline in consultation with NMAI staff, and networking with NMAI staff and fellows. Additional professional development opportunities are available throughout the fellowship period and are offered in consultation with the fellow.

After the first six weeks, fellows are expected to be onsite to conduct their research. While some fellows may also need to be in the community to work with other community members as part of their research projects, fellows are expected to reside in the DC area for at least nine months total to conduct their onsite research activities. Fellows must commit to prioritizing their research activities during the entirety of the fellowship period to receive the full stipend award.

The majority of NMAI collections are housed at the CRC in Suitland, Maryland. A Smithsonian employee shuttle is available to transport fellows to and from the National Mall to the CRC. Note that housing is not provided, but financial and logistical resources are offered to fellows to support their time residing in the DC area.

Candidates applying from outside the US are encouraged to contact the NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator to learn more about unique considerations for international fellows and visa implications. Individuals are not able to use tourist status (B-1, B-2, WB, WT, ESTA, EVUS, etc.) for this fellowship. Individuals requiring J-1 visa sponsorship must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program or have a US bachelor's degree or equivalent to be eligible for this program.

Eligibility

This fellowship is most suited to individuals conducting research that would be beneficial to a community with collections at the NMAI. Individuals who are early in their research or scholarly careers, or who have conducted previous work but would benefit from additional guidance, are ideal candidates for this program. Applicants may be associated with a university or have an advanced degree, although this is not required.

Note that any researcher requesting access to sacred, ceremonial, or culturally sensitive items must obtain and provide proof of permission from an authorized tribal official prior to access.

Stipend & Allowances

Fellows are offered up to $66,000 in financial support, plus a one-time roundtrip travel allowance. Financial support is provided in the form of stipends and allowances to support the fellow's research activities. Please note that all stipends are subject to tax.

Fellowship Stipend-a base stipend of $57,000 is provided to cover living expenses such as lodging, food, and transportation for fellowship activities. This stipend is evenly distributed in payments across the fellowship period.

Health Insurance Allowance-a separate allowance of $5,000 is provided to assist with healthcare costs during the fellowship period. This allowance is evenly distributed in stipend payments across the fellowship period.

Research Allowance-up to $4,000 is provided for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, and other support required to conduct research. This can be used to support costs such as travel to other museums or research institutions, conference attendance, or other professional development activities that increase the capacity of the fellow to conduct work. These funds can be requested as needed throughout the fellowship period.

Travel Allowance-fellows will be provided a one-time roundtrip travel allowance for their travel to the Smithsonian. This travel allowance will be disbursed in the stipend payment following the fellow's travel to the Smithsonian.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship term, the researcher will become eligible to apply for additional funding to support a community-based project to bring the experience and information gained at the NMAI back to a community related to or impacted by the research project. The type of community can be broadly defined and encompass rural or reservation communities, urban communities, academic or knowledge-based communities, etc. Researchers will be asked to submit a plan, timeline, and budget for their community-based project to access these funds. Researchers must use these funds within six months of completing their fellowship.

Application & Selection Process

Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment (SOLAA) System to be considered.

Applicants with limited internet connectivity or technological capabilities should contact the NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator to discuss alternative ways to provide application materials.
All application materials must be received no later than April 4, 2024, 12 PM EST.
The application consists of 1) contact information and optional demographic information (for statistical purposes) for the applicant; 2) a research proposal (up to 2000 words) providing an overview of the research goals and methodologies, its importance and benefit to the community of focus and/or other Native communities, and personal motivations for pursuing the research; 3) a proposed timeline for conducting research activities; 4) plans (up to 500 words) for using the additional research allowance; and 5) two or three NMAI staff from whom you would be interested in receiving mentorship, and why you chose these individuals.

Fellows will have the opportunity to further refine their research and allowance plans in consultation with NMAI staff.

Each applicant will also be required to provide the following items:

A résumé or curriculum vitae

One letter of support from an individual who can speak to the importance of the work to be conducted and its benefit to Native communities

One letter of support from an individual who can speak to the applicant's ability to conduct the proposed research

Selections will be made based on eligibility, NMAI collections resources available to support the intended work, feasibility of the applicant's proposed research, and how the proposed research will benefit Native communities. The review and selection committees are comprised of NMAI staff and external partners with expertise in community and collections research.

Applicants in top consideration will be contacted for interviews in the final phase of the selection process.

Contact

Please refer any questions regarding this fellowship program to:

Kendall Tryhane (she/her)
NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator
Email: nmaifellowships@si.edu
Phone: 301-238-1486

Additional Resources

NMAI and Smithsonian research and collections resources:

Additional opportunities for research and study at the Smithsonian:

Opportunities for community-focused research outside of the Smithsonian:
Programs listed here are not endorsed by the Smithsonian. If you know of programs that should be added to this list, please contact the NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator.

Location & Term

The period of this fellowship is a maximum of 10 weeks between September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025. This includes a six-week virtual period between August 1 and September 15 focused on professional development activities and orientation to NMAI staff and collections.

Virtual meetings and activities will be dedicated to building the skills and capacity of artists to conduct collections research and navigate future engagements with museums. This includes refining research projects and the research timeline in consultation with NMAI staff, training and orientation to the NMAI and its collections resources, connecting with other artist fellows, planning and preparing for any additional research opportunities at other Smithsonian or DC-area museums, and professional development on engagement opportunities with museums and cultural institutions.

The majority of NMAI collections are housed at the CRC in Suitland, Maryland. A Smithsonian employee shuttle is available to transport fellows to and from the National Mall and the CRC. Note that housing is not provided, but financial and logistical resources are offered to fellows to support their time residing in the DC area.

Artists will select two to four weeks to be in residence at the NMAI between October 15, 2024, and August 31, 2025, to pursue their collections research projects. Artists should be in residence for no less than one week at a time.

The majority of NMAI collections are housed at the CRC in Suitland, Maryland. A Smithsonian employee shuttle is available to transport fellows to and from the National Mall to the CRC. Note that housing is not provided, but financial and logistical resources are offered to artists to support their time residing in the DC area.

Candidates applying from outside the US are encouraged to contact the NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator to learn more about unique considerations for international fellows and visa implications. Individuals are not able to use tourist status (B-1, B-2, WB, WT, ESTA, EVUS, etc.) for this fellowship. Individuals requiring J-1 visa sponsorship must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program or have a US bachelor's degree or equivalent to be eligible for this program.

Eligibility

This fellowship is most suited to individuals who are early in their artistic careers or venturing into a new art form, or to individuals who have experience in their chosen artistic field but are not yet fully established. Applicants must also clearly demonstrate connections or ties to a community with collections at the NMAI. Fellows are expected to reside in the DC area between two to four weeks to conduct their onsite research activities. Applicants may be associated with a university or have an advanced degree, although this is not required.

Note that any researcher requesting access to sacred, ceremonial, or culturally sensitive items must obtain and provide proof of permission from an authorized tribal official prior to access.

Stipend & Allowances

Artists will be offered up to $10,300 in financial support, plus a one-time roundtrip travel allowance. Financial support is provided in the form of stipends and allowances to support the artist's research activities. Note that all stipends and allowances are subject to tax.

Fellowship Stipend-a base stipend of up to $7,800 to cover living expenses such as lodging, food, and local transportation. Stipends will be prorated based on the length of the fellowship ($500 per week for virtual activities and $1,200 per week for onsite activities).

Research Allowance-up to $2,500 for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, and other support required to conduct research. This may be used for any additional trips beyond the initial visit to the Smithsonian, or for artist supplies or materials needed onsite.

Travel Allowance-a one-time roundtrip travel allowance for the artist's initial travel to the Smithsonian. This allowance is based on geographic location and is disbursed in the stipend payment following the artist's travel to the Smithsonian.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship term, the artist is eligible to apply for additional funding to support a community-based project to bring the experience and information gained at the NMAI back to a community related to the artist's research. The type of community can be broadly defined and encompass rural or reservation communities, urban communities, art or trade-based communities, etc. Artists are asked to submit a plan, timeline, and budget for their community-based project to access these funds. Artists must use these funds within six months of completing their fellowships.

Application & Selection Process

Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment (SOLAA) System to be considered.

Applicants with limited internet connectivity or technological capabilities should contact the NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator for alternative ways to provide application materials.
All application materials must be received no later than April 4, 2024, 12 PM EST.
The application consists of 1) contact information and optional demographic information (for statistical purposes) for the applicant; 2) a research proposal (up to 1000 words) providing an overview of the work and its importance and benefit to Native communities; 3) a proposed timeline for conducting onsite research activities; and 4) plans (up to 500 words) for using the additional research allowance.

Fellows will have the opportunity to further refine their research and allowance plans in consultation with NMAI staff.

Each applicant will also be required to provide the following items:

An artist bio

A résumé or curriculum vitae

Up to five artistic works that demonstrate the applicant's work in their artistic field

Contact information for two references who can speak to the applicant's artistic ability and importance of their work (other artists or community members, professors, mentors, etc.)

Selections will be made based on eligibility, NMAI collections resources available to support the proposed work, and how the work will support or elevate artistic practices or knowledge for the benefit of Native communities. The review and selection committees are comprised of NMAI staff and external partners with expertise in Native art and collections research.

Applicants in top consideration are contacted for interviews in the final phase of the selection process.

Contact

Please refer any questions regarding this fellowship program to:

Kendall Tryhane (she/her)
NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator
Email: nmaifellowships@si.edu
Phone: 301-238-1486

Additional Resources

NMAI and Smithsonian research and collections resources:

Additional opportunities for research and study at the Smithsonian:

Where can I find information about all Smithsonian Institution fellowships?

The Smithsonian Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI) manages and administers the institution's fellowship programs and research associate appointments. The OAAI FAQ page addresses general questions about Smithsonian fellowships, eligibility, and technical assistance for reference letter writers.

How do I apply?

Fellowship candidates must apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment (SOLAA) system. Create an account to save and track the status of your application. Once you have created your account and logged in, locate the opportunity you are interested in and select the "Apply Now" option to access and complete the application.

The Andrew W. Mellon Conservation Fellowship, Native Arts Fellowship, and Native American Collections Fellowship are administered by the NMAI. In SOLAA, go to the "Search for Programs" section and locate the "Office/Museum/Research Center" field. From the dropdown menu, select "NMAI-National Museum of the American Indian" and then the appropriate fellowship program

The Betsy James Wyeth Fellowship is administered by the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). In SOLAA, go to the "Search for Programs" section and locate the "Office/Museum/Research Center" field. From the dropdown menu, select SAAM-Smithsonian American Art Museum and then the appropriate application category (predoctoral, postdoctoral, or senior).

The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program is administered by the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI). In SOLAA, go to the "Search for Programs" section and locate the "Office/Museum/Research Center" field. From the dropdown menu, select "OAAI-Office of Academic Appointments and Internships" and then the appropriate application category (graduate student, predoctoral, postdoctoral, or senior).

The Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship (SARF) is a nominated program administered by OAAI. Applicants invited through the nomination process receive further instructions on how to apply. For more information on this program and how to be considered for a nomination, visit the SARF page.

Can applications be accepted after the deadline?

No, applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on the application deadline date; however, you can submit your application without all reference letters uploaded. Reference letter writers can still upload their letters for a short period of time after application submission. Should you have technical issues on the deadline date, contact the NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator for help.

Do you offer any exemptions to submitting applications through the online system?

Applications must be processed through the online system to be considered. If you need additional assistance or encounter barriers to using the online system, such as unstable or unreliable internet, please contact the NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator for further guidance.

How do I decide which research staff would best suit my project?

May I do my research in multiple areas of the Smithsonian?

Yes, researchers are encouraged to take advantage of the many collections and resources available throughout the Smithsonian. If the application requires you to list proposed advisors or consultants, please ensure that your primary advisor or consultant is based at the NMAI.

What should I include in my research proposal?

Refer to information on the fellowship opportunity you are interested in for specific guidance on what should be included in your research proposal and any specific formatting requirements. Proposals should give a broad overview of your research project, the importance or need for the research, a clear plan and timeframe for conducting research activities, and how Smithsonian resources will help you accomplish your goals.

The application includes "Travel From" and "Travel To" fields. What should I enter?

This section is for residential fellowships, meaning the fellow is expected to be onsite in the Washington, DC, area during the fellowship period. List your city of residence in the "Travel From" field and Washington, DC, in the "Travel To" field.

My reference letter writers did not receive an email to upload their letters, or they are having issues uploading their letters. What should I do?

To request a reference letter in your SOLAA application, please enter the email address for your referee in the field provided. Then click the "Send To" button (envelope icon). SOLAA will send an automatic email to the referee with a link to upload the letter. We recommend you confirm that your referee has received this email link. If they do not receive the email, have them check their Junk or Spam folder first and verify that the correct email address was used. Refer to the OAAI FAQ page for additional guidance and technical support.

Does the NMAI offer non-residential (virtual-only) fellowships?

NMAI fellowship programs are designed to connect fellows to numerous resources available at the Smithsonian, including onsite collections access and engagement opportunities with other NMAI researchers, staff, and fellows. We recognize that relocation or travel to the Washington, DC, region may not be possible for everyone. Independent researchers or community members may wish to consider a virtual access appointment to view object collections. In addition, many of the NMAI's archival collections are accessible online.

Virtual research requests can be submitted by completing a NMAI Object Collections Request form. Indicate that you are interested in a "Research Visit Request" and that you want to schedule a virtual visit. Visit the NMAI Archive Center page for more information. The Smithsonian's Research Resources page provides information on the wealth of resources to support researchers and learners available through the institution.

May I apply to the fellowship in partnership with another individual or as part of a group?

Most Smithsonian fellowship opportunities are designed to support individuals. Some opportunities, such as the Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship, allow collaborative groups to apply. Inquire with the specific program to determine options for community or group research. Indigenous community groups or other collaborative research groups may also wish to consider non-fellowship opportunities like the Recovering Voices Community Research Program, coordinated by the National Museum of Natural History.

The NMAI also supports various engagements and partnerships with Indigenous groups, tribal museums, cultural centers, and allied organizations. If you are interested in pursuing a collaboration or opportunity and do not have a current point of contact at the museum, the NMAI's Outreach and Engagement Planning Office can begin a conversation to learn more about your needs or desires for working together. Contact the NMAI Fellowship Program Administrator for more information or with any additional questions.

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Fellowships | National Museum of the American Indian

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The NMAI fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples.

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LIFT - Early Career Support for Native Artists - Native Arts and Cultures Foundation

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RADICAL IMAGINATION RADICAL IMAGINATION RADICAL IMAGINATION ARTIST GRANT Embrace the radical. Give breath to your imagination. A whole story begins...

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Storyknife Writers Retreat offers several fellowship opportunities. These fellowships are sponsored by donors who have the opportunity to specify a community that they would like to support. Applicants get to self-select if they'd like to be considered for a fellowship when they apply for a residency.

If you are interested in sponsoring a fellowship, please reach out Erin Hollowell for more information.

2023

Fireweed Fellowship - Taté Walker
Joan Perry Barnes Fellowship - Mandy Miller and Brittany Retherford
Katahdin Fellowship - Julia Bouwsma
Mary Ellen State Fellowship - Amber Blaeser-Wardzala
Golden-Crowned Sparrow Travel Fund - Brittany Retherford
Snow Goose Travel Fund - Tania Pleitez

2022

Fireweed Fellowship - Lily Tuzroyluke
Joan Perry Barnes Fellowship - Gwen Florio
Katahdin Fellowship - Anne O'Regan
Mary Ellen State Fellowship - Maya Beck
Golden-Crowned Sparrow Travel Fund - Alegria Rowena
Snow Goose Travel Fund - Monica Macansantos

2021

Fireweed Fellowship - Annie Wenstrup
Katahdin Fellowship - Stephanie Cotsirilos
Snow Goose Travel Fund - Aurora Masum-Javed
Alaska Native Art and Culture Writing Fellowship sponsored by the CIRI Foundation
The Alaska Native Art and Culture Writing Fellowship will be awarded each year to a woman writer whose work focuses on Alaska Native art & culture. Preference will be given to an Alaska Native woman writer who is living in Alaska. At the completion of the project, the selected writer will submit a "Share Your Story" post about the project to The CIRI Foundation's website. This fellowship includes a $1,000 travel stipend for a four-week residency or a $500 travel stipend for a two-week residency.
Barbara G. Peters Fellowship for Crime or Historical Fiction
The Barbara G. Peters Fellowship will be awarded each year to a writer of crime fiction or historical fiction. This fellowship includes up to $1000 in travel funds to be reimbursed at the end of the fellow's residency. Barbara G. Peters founded the globally renowned Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1989, and in the years since has become a supporter and mentor of crime fiction authors the world over. She and her husband, Robert Rosenwald, founded Poisoned Pen Press, a publishing house which was acquired by and merged into Soucebooks in 2018. Barbara has been recognized by Mystery Writers of America, Malice Domestic, and twice by Bouchercon for extraordinary service to the mystery genre.
Evangeline Atwood Fellowship sponsored by the Atwood Foundation
This fellowship is named for Maud "Evangeline" Rasmuson Atwood who was born in Alaska in 1906. Steeped deeply in journalism and Alaska history, Evangeline Atwood was a civic organizer and philanthropist, organizing such community groups as the Cook Inlet Historical Society and the Anchorage Chapter of the League of the Women Voters. She was a past president of the Anchorage Women's Club, the Alaska Federation of Women's Clubs, and the Alaska Statehood Association. She was a writer interested in history, and was inducted into the Alaska Press Club's 49er Hall of Fame and was named Historian of the Year in 1975 by the Alaska Historical Society.

This fellowship include a travel stipend of up to $1000 to be reimbursed at the end of the residency.
Fireweed Fellowship sponsored by John and Rika Mouw
The Fireweed fellowship will be awarded each year to an Alaska Native or Indigenous woman writer under the age of 45. The sponsors, John and Rika Mouw, have chosen to lift the voice of an Indigenous woman writer in a world where First People's voices continue to be drowned out by an ongoing history of colonization, and further so, for Indigenous women, in the largely patriarchal society in which we live. Indigenous women have been the traditional and ongoing protectors of water and land for future generations. Indigenous women hold a special wisdom and truth. They are our inspiration in their strength, determination and tenacity. They are the ones who need time to focus on their talents. They are the ones who balance family, protection of place, demands of daily life and who have protected and held the connection of past, present and future. They are the ones we need to listen to.

This fellowship includes a travel stipend of up to $1000 to be reimbursed at the end of the residency.
Joan Perry Barnes Fellowship in Crime Fiction sponsored by Dana Stabenow
Dana Stabenow's mother, Joan Perry Barnes, was a voracious reader. There were always books around the house and on the boat, usually cheap paperbacks which was all anyone could afford back then. She let Dana read anything she wanted to, and because she read a lot of mysteries, Dana did, too. Dana sponsored a Storyknife fellowship in crime fiction in her name because while she would have read everything written by all Storyknife fellows, she would have reached for the mysteries first.

The Joan Perry Barnes Fellowship will be awarded each year to a woman writer who pursues crime fiction.
Katahdin Fellowship for Maine Writers sponsored by Patrice Krant
The Katahdin Fellowship will be awarded each year to one woman writer from the state of Maine. Sponsor Patrice Krant is a 1978 University of Maine graduate who has retired to Alaska, but part of her heart will always reside in Maine. This gift is her way of sharing her adopted home with women writers from Maine, and she knows that the cross-pollination of these two magical places will be fruitful for both communities.

This fellowship includes a travel stipend of up to $1000 to be reimbursed at the end of the residency.
Mary Ellen State Storyknife Fellowship for Popular Fiction sponsored by Paula Martin
Mary Ellen State loved to read. She was never without a paperback novel ready to fill a quiet moment. She was widowed when her first daughter was only six months old. Her second marriage ended in separation, and later divorce, seven years later, after she had two more children. At the time, being a single woman with children was uncommon. She managed. Work and childcare were juggled. Dishes and cleaning, painting and mowing were managed. And through her suburban existence, fiction gave her a route to stretch her boundaries.

Fiction gave her more lives to live, more places to visit, more problems to solve, all without added responsibilities. Her favorite genre was mystery: Agnatha Christy at the ready in a pocketbook. Or she'd delve into a romance, living relationships that she'd never have. When the kids were small, she had to wait for the latest NY Times bestseller fiction, like Mario Puzo's 'The Godfather', to make it into paperback, but she stayed as current as she could. Her children picked up her reading habit, giving them a path to expand their horizons, to connect to different parts of the world, to appreciate different peoples, while still managing their home fronts.

The Mary Ellen State Storyknife Fellow in Popular Fiction should write to entertain, to set readers in new places, in new situations, in new relationships, to give the reader an escape into the pages of a book.

This fellowship includes $250 in travel funds to be reimbursed at the end of the writer's residency.
Travel Scholarships
At this time we have four travel scholarship opportunities given to the residents who have the highest travel costs and greatest need.

Snow Goose Travel Fund sponsored by Astrid and Greg Bear

Golden-Crowned Sparrow Travel Fund for Alaska Writers sponsored by Dana Stabenow

Condor Travel Fund sponsored by Charlaine Schulz

Philip A. Block Travel Fund sponsored by Barbara Block

Soroptimist International of Anchorage Travel Fund for a Alaska Native or Indigenous woman writer

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Storyknife Writers Retreat offers several fellowship opportunities. These fellowships are sponsored by donors who have the opportunity to specify a community that they would like to support. Applicants get to self-select if they'd like to be considered for a fellowship when they apply for a residency.

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The Sundress Academy for the Arts (SAFTA) is now accepting applications for short-term artists’ writing residencies for creatives and academics. These residencies are designed to give writers time and space to complete their creative projects in a quiet and productive environment.

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All applications must be submitted through Submittable online submissions manager. You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been submitted successfully.

**The Elk River Writers Workshop is limited to participants age 21 and over, due to liability issues.

Tuition

$1,600 Includes tuition, most meals* and excursions. A $250 nonrefundable deposit is due upon acceptance, with the remainder due by June 1.

*Meals include the Welcome and Farewell dinners (August 11 & 15), and catered breakfasts and lunches (August 12-15).

You will be on your own for dinners on August 12-14.

Chico Hot Springs Resort has a fine dining restaurant (reservations recommended) and a more casual poolside grill as well as a small store. Other restaurants and stores are within driving distance.

Stipends & Scholarships

We are offering scholarships for students in the following areas:

Park County, Montana Resident: Deadline April 1, 2024

Diversity Scholarships: Deadlines Dec. 1, 2023 and Feb. 1

Native Scholarship: Deadline April 1, 2024

What do we mean by a "diverse writer"? Diversity includes a range of experiences from things like gender, sexual orientation and race, to religion, abilities, and economic background - anything that lends a different lens through which a writer might view (and therefore respond to) the world.
Please note: All scholarship funds will be allocated by May 1, and no scholarship applications will be taken after the April 1 deadline.
We would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous contributions to these funds: Maggie Anderson; Mike & Melissa Atkinson; Karen Auvenin; Ann Blanchard; Catherine Camp; Scott Carrier; Mary Clare; Gracia & Doyt Conn; Pamela Uschuk & Cutthroat, a Journal of the Arts; Chema Domenech; Camille Dungy; Bob Ebinger & Robin Hoggan; CMarie Fuhrman; Ron Garrett; Jamey Gittings; Sarah Goettsch; Michael Heiner; Carolyn Hopper; Max & Anna Hjortsberg; Tana Kappel; Jennifer Jones; J. Drew Lanham; Peter Linett & Cheryl Stover-Linett; Marshall Muirhead; Charles Nightengale; Leanne Summers; Jeff Reed & Reedfly Farm; and Alexander Williamson.

Lodging

Chico Hot Springs

Lodging arrangements must be made and paid for separately by each student. Chico Hot Springs has a variety of lodging options, and we've reserved a block of rooms for your convenience. There are accessible, shared and PET-FRIENDLY! rooms in our block.

To reserve a room, call Chico at (406) 333-4933 and ask for a room for the Elk River Writers Workshop. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you make your arrangements as early as possible. Please note: Not all rooms have air conditioning, so you'll need to ask for it if you want it.

Chico's amenities include hot spring pools, a day spa, two restaurants, a garden, a gift shop and a saloon with live music most weekends. They host horseback riding and rafting (weather permitting). You may want to come early or stay late, get in some hiking or fishing, or take a tour of Yellowstone National Park. Nearby Livingston has a lively arts scene, great restaurants, bars and shopping.

Other Accommodations

Other area lodging is available at the Sage Lodge, and through AirBnB and VRBO. Cabins and campsites are available at the local KOA (15 miles); primitive camping can be reserved at two national forest campgrounds, Snowbank and Pine Creek (make reservations through recreation.org). Nearby Dailey Lake has a limited number of primitive sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is no camping at Chico or within walking distance.

Mentorships

Several of the faculty will available for a limited number of individual manuscript critiques of 90 to 120 pages. These will include a remote consultation before the workshop, a one-on-one in-person session during the workshop week, and notes on your manuscript. The cost for this service is $1,250 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please inquire for further details.

Cancellation Policy

Students will pay a nonrefundable $250 deposit upon acceptance to hold their place. Full payment is due by June 1, and refunds after that point will be available only if we can fill your spot. No refunds will be made after July 1, 2024.

Permissions

By registering for this workshop, I give permission for the Elk River Writers Workshop/Elk River Arts & Lectures to take photographs and video, and to gather content generated from the Eventee app social wall. These images may be used for publicity purposes in print, digital and social media. Permission excludes audio of original writing, and no recording of any sort will be permitted during the faculty workshop sessions.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Anti-Racist+ Statement

Elk River Writers Workshop strives to inspire its participants to be leaders in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this goal, we must attract and promote a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. We must preserve both safe and brave spaces. We believe that literary achievement requires a diverse range of ideas, perspectives, and contributions. Race, ethnicity, age, sexuality, socioeconomic class, handicap, religion, citizenship status, and country of birth all play a role in our view of diversity. We recognize the ever-changing landscape of justice and rights, and pledge to constantly reevaluate our own culture in order to remain aware of how disparities in power and opportunity relate to social categories and identities, and how these disparities can divide people and groups in ways that benefit some while limiting others.

To become the inclusive community we seek, we must treat one another fairly, kindly, and respectfully, creating an environment in which no voice is silenced and all individuals can thrive. Our dedication to diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism work has the capacity to challenge and alter long-held attitudes and behaviors. As a result of this commitment, the faculty and staff of Elk River Writers Workshop will hold ourselves accountable to educating ourselves and those around us to be resourceful, mindful of injustice and power, and to have moral courage. The instructors and staff recognize the importance of love in any successful relationship and healthy community. And because we recognize the importance of love in a student-centered program like ours, we will keep these pledges out of love for our participants and community.

Indigenous Commitment Statement

Elk River Writers Workshop takes place on the traditional homelands of Apsáalooke (Crow), Salish, Tsetho'e (Cheyenne), Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. It is also the site of trade, travel, gathering and healing for many other Native tribes and is still home to over 78,000 Native people in the state of Montana.

It is our responsibility as a humanities program to share knowledge about Native people and the area's history with them. Consistent with the Elk River Writers Workshop's commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and racial justice, we will continue building relationships with Native American communities and individuals through learning opportunities, partnerships, historical recognitions, community service, enrollment efforts, and by offering Native scholarships, studying Native art and lifting Native voices.

Know what Native Homelands you reside on, by clicking here: https://native-land.ca/, and find out ways to support and promote the work, art, and livelihoods of Native people in your area.

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We accept applications from October through May each year. We make decisions on a rolling basis, and strongly encourage interested writers to apply early as classes fill up fast.