Deadline: September 30, 2025
Applications are open for the Black Mountain Institute Shearing Fellowship 2026-2027. This nine-month residency supports emerging and established writers who have published at least one book with a trade or literary press. Fellows receive $46,500 in compensation, optional health coverage, office space, and housing in Las Vegas’s vibrant downtown arts district.
This working fellowship emphasizes both individual writing and community engagement. Fellows maintain office hours, collaborate with BMI to design a community plan, and may host readings, workshops, or craft talks, curate events, or contribute to publications. The program fosters the advancement of each fellow’s literary work while also strengthening creative exchange with readers and writers across Southern Nevada.
Benefits
For emerging and distinguished writers who have published at least one book with a trade or literary press, this fellowship includes:
- compensation of $46,500 paid over a nine-month period;
- a nine-month-long letter of appointment;
- eligibility for optional health coverage;
- office space in the BMI offices 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; and
- recognition at BMI as a “Shearing Fellow.”
Eligibility
- Open to emerging and distinguished writers;
- Applicant must have published at least one book with a trade or literary press.
Application
You will need to submit:
- A one- to three-page personal statement, which includes your interest in being part of the Las Vegas literary community, a practical description of how you envision fulfilling your service hours and engaging the Las Vegas community, and 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.
For more information, visit Black Mountain Institute Shearing Fellowship.
