The Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures is thrilled to launch the Iraj Khademi Residency in Persian Literature. Dr. Khademi was a poet and beloved community builder who founded and hosted the Persian Poetry and Music Workshop of Seattle (PPMWS) for over two decades, which served as a significant cultural hub for Washington State’s Persian-speaking community. To honor his enduring legacy, his friends and family came together to establish this unique and exciting initiative. MELC enthusiastically invites poets and other creative writers, scholars (including doctoral students), and translators of Persian literature to apply. The successful candidate will:
- Reside in Seattle and work at the University of Washington for two weeks during the spring quarter (March-June 2024), surrounded by a supportive and dynamic community of scholars, writers, and translators.
- Hold readings for students (One reading could be of your work-in-progress)
- Lead two public-facing workshops for the community
- Have space and time to work on a proposed project with funding that covers airfare to/from Seattle and accommodation, both arranged by the University of Washington, in addition to an honorarium of $3,500 USD.
Please submit the following materials here no later than October 1, 2023.
- Three-page CV/resume
- The project you will be working on while in residence, 250-300 words. (Examples include completing a research article or a doctoral dissertation on any aspect of Persian literature, working on a translation from Persian to English, or composing a creative work in Persian, poetry and prose alike).
- Ideas on two workshops you wish to lead in 25-30 words (Workshops do not have to be directly related to the proposed project; see example here).
- A sample of recent work up to 15 pages (e.g. scholarly article, poetry, drama, fiction, literary translation), in English or Persian.
This is an equal opportunity program and is open to people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds. Accessibility accommodations will be made.
In sum: Submit your application here to be considered for a unique two-week residency program at the University of Washington, to be held during spring 2024 (March-June), specific dates will be determined according to the department’s and your schedule.
FAQ
Q. Are the dates of the residency flexible?
A. Yes, but only as long as your two-week stay falls between March 25 and June 7 (the UW spring quarter). We will determine the specific dates after your acceptance into the program.
Q. What resources will be available to me at the UW?
A. Please see here.
Q. I live outside the United States. Could I apply?
A. Absolutely. The University will provide an official letter of invitation, but you will be responsible for acquiring a US visa.
Q. Would I earn a certificate at the end of the program?
A. No.
Q. When will I receive my honorarium?
A. Your honorarium will be paid to you in two installments, once at the beginning and once at the end.
Q. May I bring my partner and/or children?
A. By all means. We only ask that you cover their airfare and extra cost of accommodation (if applicable).
Q. Will I be provided with health insurance?
A. Unfortunately not. For international visitors, we recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage.
Questions not answered? Reach out to Drs. Aria Fani (ariafani@uw.edu) and Naghmeh Samini (nsamini@uw.edu)