OlongoAfrica has unveiled the Black Orpheus Fellowship, a groundbreaking initiative offering both in-person and remote opportunities to explore the history and influence of the Black Orpheus journal and the Mbari Club generation.
This fellowship is open to individuals passionate about African literature, visual arts, and the legacy of the sixties’ postcolonial literary movements. Fellows will engage with topics ranging from editorial practices to visual art reinterpretation, using the digitized archives of Black Orpheus and its related materials.
The fellowship provides two main formats:
- Long-term and short-term opportunities.
Long-term fellows will collaborate with OlongoAfrica for several months, receiving monthly stipends ranging between ₦350,000 and ₦500,000. Short-term projects, focused on specific objectives, will be funded between ₦1,000,000 and ₦2,000,000. Additionally, OlongoAfrica has partnered with organizations such as Angels & Muse and the Guest Artists Space (G.A.S) Foundation to offer residency opportunities in Lagos, where fellows can immerse themselves in their research.
Applicants are encouraged to delve into diverse research areas. These include examining the historical locations of the Mbari Club in Ìbàdàn, conducting interviews with prominent contributors like Wole Ṣóyínká and Bruce Onobrakpeya, and analyzing the art and editorial practices of Black Orpheus. Other suggested directions involve exploring gender dynamics in the journal, studying its critical reviews, and identifying recurring motifs and themes in its publications. Visual artists are also invited to reinterpret the journal’s artistic legacy.
To apply, candidates must submit a completed application form, a one-page proposal outlining their research, a budget estimate, and a summary of relevant past work or a full CV. Applications are open to both resident fellows, who will work onsite in Lagos, and non-resident fellows, who will conduct virtual research using the archives.
Applications for the Black Orpheus Fellowship ends on Sunday, January 15, 2025
For more details and to submit an application, visit OlongoAfrica’s official website.
Best of luck to all applicants!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
