Deadline: 9 April 2012
The Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation at the University of California-Berkeley invites applications from unpublished as well as published writers-of-color--anyone dreaming of writing as a serious pursuit.
The Voices Workshop is a special gathering of writers who spend 1 week working with authors of color. This workshop honors the literary traditions of heritage and culture and promotes the styles, voices, forms and concerns of writers-of-color and their connections to the literary world. All workshops are intimate gatherings of writers who take their writing seriously and are looking for an experience that will nurture them as writers; heighten their awareness of writing as a political, social and literary tool; and provide a community that supports each writer as they explore issues that require a profound sense of trust and professionalism.
THE WORKSHOPS FOR 2012
This year, we offer workshops for everyone in: Fiction, Poetry, the Poetry Collection, Memoir, LBGTQ Narrative, Political Content in Poetry, Story and Memoir--Find descriptions of the workshops on the Workshops 2012 page
We also offer two Residencies which are directed to writers who are interested in a one-on-one mentorship and concentrated writing time. The week is spent with the master writer who guides them through rewrites and toward a greater awareness of the writing process and their identities as writers.
When applying, specify the workshops you'd like to attend in order of preference. The workshops are limited to ten writers chosen on the quality of their work, their commitment to and their enthusiasm for the direction of the VONA/Voices mission. We want to include writers of all experience levels and your seriousness about your writing is a major factor.
All participants are encouraged to consider staying on campus in the housing facilities to deepen their experience of exchange.
To be considered for admission to the VONA/Voices Writing Workshops please submit the following:
•Poetry: 5 - 10 poems (not to exceed 20 pages)
•Fiction Writing: up to 20 pages of short fiction
•Memoir: up to 20 pages of a non-fiction narrative
•LGBTQ Narrative: up to 15 pages of a non-fiction, novel, short fiction or 5-10 poems (not to exceed 20 pages)
•Residency: up to 15 pages of a non-fiction, novel, short fiction or 5-10 poems (not to exceed 20 pages)
•Political Content : up to 15 pages of any genre
•Building a Poetry Collection: Up to 30 pages of poetry
All applicants should email their application manuscript (as an attachment) to apply apply@voicesatvona.org with your name and the workshop name and faculty in the title of the document. (please use .doc or .pdf)
For example: LouisaSmithmemoirAdiele.doc
Completed Application: Please provide contact information, history, experience, vital statistics and personal essay in response to the questions, including information on scholarships.
The application deadline is April 9, 2012. Only completed applications are eligible for review. Please contact us regarding late applications.
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE
Participants are notified of their acceptance by May 4 and have ten days to confirm their attendance.
Send a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 by May 15. (Accepted participants will receive an invoice via email.)
Manuscripts to be used in the workshop must be uploaded to the virtual classroom site by May 25, 2012.
All fees are due by May 31, 2012.
Indicate if you will need residence in campus housing, so we may reserve a spot for you.
A limited number of partial tuition scholarships are available, based on need and availability. Resources are limited and requests are always greater than available funds.
Scholarship recipients will be notified of their award amount and balance due. All fees are due by May 31, 2012 and should be made through PayPal.
FEES AND FINANCIAL AID
*Regular: Weeklong workshop $800
*Residency: $700
*Room and Board: $650 (includes meal card)
*A $100.00 non-refundable deposit is required
HOUSING AND ACCOMMODATIONS Workshop participants are housed in modern dormitory rooms on campus and will have access to the university library, bookstore, computer labs and sports facilities. All meals are included in the fee. Staying on campus is highly encouraged but not required. Non-resident workshop participants can purchase Individual meals from the campus dining facilities. The VONA Program A Sunday night welcome introduces the participants to the Voices Writers Workshop, allows an initial meeting with the instructor, gives vital information for the week, and includes a campus tour. VONA/Voices participants will get an opportunity to meet each other in an informal atmosphere. Regular workshops meet from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. To 12:30 p.m. Some classes may require outside reading as well as in-class writing. Classes may be extended To the afternoon through arrangements between the instructors and participants. The afternoons provide time for the one-on-ones with the instructors except for Wednesdays and Fridays. All workshops are participatory and ask the writer to be a lively member of the class community.
Via: pawainc
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For inquiries: apply@voicesatvona.org
For submissions: start the application process here, then submit your manuscripts to apply@voicesatvona.org
Website: http://voicesatvona.org