What is it?

The IWP is a leading forum for bringing together foreign literary figures including television/film writers and multi-media platform writers for a 11-week fall residency program. Hosted by the University of Iowa, the Fall Residency brings together global writers for a multicultural forum of conversations, workshops, collaborations, and public presentations. Participants in the IWP Fall Residency spend 11 weeks in residence at the University of Iowa in Iowa City presenting their work to local audiences, working with students, and attending and teaching classes. The program enables participants to bring their countries’ literary works to a wider audience and learn more about U.S. society, culture, and literature. A ten-day trip will be planned to different regions of the United States to meet and collaborate with diverse American writers. This program will take place from August 19 to November 6, 2023 in the United States.

Do participants need to pay anything to take part if selected?

No. The program will cover all costs, including airfare, per diem, and program costs.

What are the criteria for selection?

Program applicants must:

• Be writers of fiction, drama, poetry, or screenplays
• Have a significant publication record; at least one published book, screenplay or play, or a record of publishing regularly over the previous two years in traditional or online media
• Be proficient speakers of English (although they do not need to write in English; the program provides translation for their creative work as needed)
• Be between the ages of 21 and 64 at the time of the program.
• Nominees must be comfortable with cross-cultural dynamics, and eager to engage with writers from diverse cultures.
• Participants must stay the full 11 weeks in the United States; there are no exceptions.
• Family members are not allowed to accompany the writers during the Fall Residency.

Applications (28 KB, Word .DOCX format) for the Fall 2023 program are due to AshgabatEducation@state.gov by February 20, 2023.