Call for applications: Online workshop for African arts writers

The call is open to aspiring writers who have an interest in writing about African arts through an Afrocentric lens for the African reader and the rest of the world.

This year, applicants are required to submit an article in progress that they will work on during the course of the workshop with support from the facilitators.

The workshop will be facilitated by journalists Andrew Kaggwa (Uganda) and Grace Kerongo (Kenya). It will offer participants from across the continent training in arts language, working with editors, finding one’s voice, preparing interviews, finding and maintaining sources, using online tools for research and verifying information, creating a story map and pitching, and getting their work published.

How to apply

Applicants must submit the following documents via email to [email protected] or [email protected] with ‘Writing workshop application’ in the subject line before 7 November:

• A statement of interest/motivation letter (one page) explaining why the participant should be considered, what and how you hope to benefit from the workshop and how you would use the acquired knowledge.
• An article in progress of 750 to 1 200 words, which the participant will continue working on during the course of the workshop.
• A biography not more than 250 words in length.

Eligibility

The workshop is open to all aspiring arts writers based in Africa who:

• Can commit to a full week of intensive work between 21 to 25 November (2pm to 4pm CAT) with two hours of synchronous learning and asynchronous unsupervised work.
• Have a good internet connection and a quiet space where they can freely be part of the online discussions without any distractions.
• Can comprehend, write and express themselves in English.

Workshop timeline and format

• The workshop will run online via Zoom from 2pm to 4pm CAT.
• Workshops sessions will include one-on-one check-ins with the facilitators.
• Participants will be expected to work beyond the designated workshop hours, on articles and other exercises set by the facilitators.
• Participants will work on their article throughout the course of the workshop with the goal to produce a ready-to-publish piece.

Since 2018, The African Theatre Magazine’s goal has been to offer diverse narratives and nuances on African arts and culture through spotlighting, documenting, archiving and celebrating contemporary and historical theatre, artists and practices.

View the original call here.