Just Buffalo Literary Center invites adult poets of all ages and stages of their career to apply for its Poetry Fellowship, judged this year by Lillian-Yvonne Bertram.
Give yourself the space to write and the time to focus.
Live in one of the nation’s most vibrant literary cities.
Read at an event curated by Just Buffalo Literary Center.
Application deadline: April 30.
About the Judge
Lillian-Yvonne Bertram is the author of Travesty Generator (Noemi Press), a book of computational poetry that received the Poetry Society of America’s 2020 Anna Rabinowitz prize for interdisciplinary work and longlisted for the 2020 National Book Award for Poetry. Their other poetry books include How Narrow My Escapes (DIAGRAM/New Michigan), Personal Science (Tupelo Press), a slice from the cake made of air (Red Hen Press), and But a Storm is Blowing From Paradise (Red Hen Press). They are an associate professor at UMass Boston where they direct the MFA in Creative Writing program.
The Fellowship Award
- A $1,500 stipend
- One month of free lodging during August 2021 in a beautiful apartment in one of Buffalo’s most vibrant neighborhoods
- An opportunity to read at an event curated by Just Buffalo Literary Center
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be 21 years or older
- A completed application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2021 (incomplete applications will NOT be considered)
- Past or present employees of Just Buffalo Literary Center are NOT eligible to apply
COVID-19
We’re committed to honoring a poet as our 2021 Fellow, recognizing that the in-person components may need to be adjusted to align with public health guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
The purpose of this fellowship is to enable recipients to set aside time for writing, travel, and general career advancement. We invite applications from adult poets of all ages and stages of their career.
When & where can I apply?
Each year, Just Buffalo begins accepting applications in March, with a submission deadline of April 30. Applications are accepted via Submittable.
What languages can I use on my application?
Just Buffalo Literary Center is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. At this time, we can only accept applications in English.
How is the winning Fellow selected?
The writing sample is the most important component of the application. Writing samples will be considered based on artistic merit. Application materials will be reviewed and voted on in elimination rounds which produce a smaller pool for each round until the selected Fellow has been selected.
When will the winner of the fellowship be announced?
Applications will be reviewed in May and early June, with the Fellow announced by mid-June 2021.
Do you offer application fee waivers?
Yes. To request the application for a fee waiver, email info@justbuffalo.org with “Fellowship Fee Waiver Request” in your subject line.
What about COVID-19?
We’re committed to honoring a poet as our 2021 Fellow, recognizing that the in-person components may need to be adjusted to align with public health guidelines.
Questions about the fellowship?
Email info@justbuffalo.org with “Fellowship Question” in your subject line, or call (716) 832-5400.