Introduction
Mophradat is dedicated to aiding emerging creative writers from the Arab world, focusing on contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Program Details
Published writers engaged in creating new texts for publication can apply for this program. It provides an opportunity for writers to focus solely on completing their projects by offering a stipend. This stipend allows participants to take a break from daily responsibilities and concentrate on their writing.
Each cycle of the program supports at least two writers. The stipend amount varies based on local living costs in the writer’s home country. The sabbatical duration ranges from one to three months, tailored to the writer’s needs. A prerequisite for application is a publisher’s interest in the writer’s upcoming work. At the sabbatical’s conclusion, writers will receive feedback on their manuscript from an advisor on the selection committee.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be from or reside in the Arab world, with priority given to those writing in Arabic and based in the region.
- The sabbatical targets authors of creative writing, including fiction, poetry, criticism, essay, and other literary forms, but excludes academic writing, film, and journalism.
- Applicants should be published writers with at least two prior publications.
- A letter of interest from a publisher for the new work is required.
- Applicants must commit to taking leave from their current employment for the entire sabbatical period.
Application Process
- Applicants will receive a response by April 1, 2024.
- Selected applicants will sign a grant agreement with Mophradat.
- Funding is released in two stages: 70% upon signing the agreement and 30% after submitting the completed manuscript.
- Grantees must credit Mophradat in their publication and send copies to its Brussels office.
- Inability to realize the proposal within the agreed timeline may result in reimbursement to Mophradat.
Application Guidelines
- Check the questions for application preparation here.
- Applications are only accepted through an online form here.
- Submissions via email will not be considered.
*Please note the confidentiality of the selection process and the inability to provide individual feedback for non-selected applications.
**Agreeing to the program implies a commitment to realize the proposal, with potential reimbursement implications for non-compliance.
