Black Mountain Institute Announces Prestigious Shearing Fellowship for 2026-27

The Black Mountain Institute (BMI) is now accepting applications for its Shearing Fellowship. This prestigious nine-month residency is designed for writers who have published at least one book. The fellowship provides significant financial support and resources for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Applications are due by September 30, 2025. The program is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It offers a unique opportunity for literary professionals to advance their work.

Substantial Support for Distinguished Writers

Selected fellows receive a compensation package of $46,500. This sum is paid over the nine-month appointment period. The fellowship also includes optional health coverage for the duration.

Fellows are provided with private office space at the BMI headquarters on the UNLV campus. They also receive housing in a downtown Las Vegas arts complex. This vibrant location is home to The Writer’s Block, a beloved local bookstore.

A Working Fellowship Focused on Community Engagement

The Shearing Fellowship is not solely a retreat. It is a working residency with a strong community component. Fellows are expected to maintain regular office hours and collaborate with BMI staff.

They will design a specific plan for community engagement. This could involve hosting public readings or leading creative writing workshops. The goal is to enrich the literary scene in Southern Nevada.

Fellows will also have time to focus on their own writing projects. This balance between personal work and public service is a core principle of the program. It aims to support the writer while strengthening local cultural infrastructure.

The Shearing Fellowship represents a major career opportunity for published authors. It combines financial stability with a vibrant creative community. Applications must be submitted before the September 2025 deadline to be considered for this prestigious literary award.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: What is the application deadline for the Shearing Fellowship?

The deadline to apply is September 30, 2025. This is for the fellowship period covering the 2026-2027 academic year. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well in advance.

Q2: Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?

The fellowship is open to both emerging and distinguished writers. A key requirement is the publication of at least one book with a recognized trade or literary press. This ensures a baseline of professional experience.

Q3: What does the fellowship compensation include?

The compensation totals $46,500 over nine months. It also includes housing in downtown Las Vegas and office space at UNLV. Optional health coverage is also part of the package.

Q4: Is this a fully remote fellowship?

No, this is an in-person residency based in Las Vegas. Fellows are required to live in the provided housing and maintain office hours at the Black Mountain Institute. Community engagement within Southern Nevada is a central requirement.

Q5: What materials are needed for the application?

Applicants must submit a personal statement, a writing sample, and a CV. The personal statement should outline their writing project and ideas for community engagement. The writing sample is limited to 10 pages.