The Munster Literature Centre announces an initiative aimed at benefiting poets: The John Montague International Poetry Fellowship. The fellowship is possible through the very generous sponsorship of University College Cork. Moreover, the fellowship acknowledges the special place of poetry in the cultural history and contemporary practice of Cork City. The Munster Literature Centre hosts the largest annual poetry festival in Ireland.

The fellowship requires the poet to reside in Cork for twelve weeks and find time to work on their own writing. The poetry fellow would arrive in late January and depart late April. The fellow would contribute a public reading and a four-morning poetry masterclass to the Cork International Poetry Festival. During their twelve-week stay, they would provide a 5-credit workshop with the creative writing department of University College Cork. Their mentoring duties would consist of devoting two hours each, per week, to two Cork poets over eight weeks (32 hours total). They will be welcomed into the literary and social life of the city where they will have the opportunity to network with resident established writers. They would present a farewell public reading at the Boole Library of University College Cork.

Benefits of the John Montague International Poetry Fellowship

The successful fellow would benefit from the prestige of receiving a highly competitive international literary award. Moreover, it will allow the candidate to spend time concentrating on their own work and also to acquire experience in literary mentoring as well as the teaching of writing in an academic context. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to receive inspiration by living in one of Europe’s oldest cities, with well-developed cultural infrastructure and a thriving literary community. The successful fellow would receive a monthly stipend of €2000, totaling €6,000 and self-catering accommodation. The costs of travel to and from Cork would also be covered.

Who is eligible for the John Montague International Poetry Fellowship?

To be eligible for the international Poetry Fellowship, the candidates will require to meet the criteria set as:

• The recipient would be a poet from outside Ireland of international standing.
• Likewise, application from poets working in English from outside Ireland is eligible.
• The Poetry Fellow must have at least two full-length collections of poetry published. Furthermore, the successful candidate will be a poet respected by peers and preferably has experience in the coaching or teaching of other writers either through workshops and/or mentoring, inside or outside a formal academic setting.

How to apply for the John Montague International Poetry Fellowship?

Application for the John Montague International Poetry Fellowship requires the applicants to apply online. Moreover, applicants should submit a single Word document divided into the following subheadings:

• a letter outlining where you are currently with your writing and how you hope to benefit from mentorship. (maximum 500 words)
• Likewise, your literary resume (listing your publications/workshops attended/prizes/public readings, etc.)
• Also, sample/samples of your own writing not exceeding five poems in total

The Fellow will choose the successful mentees from all valid applications received. Further, successful candidates will need to pay a deposit of €100, refundable upon completion of the mentorship and the submission of a written report of 300 words.

Deadline

The deadline to apply for the John Montague International Poetry Fellowship is on 18 August 2019.