What is the deadline?
Applications open July 11, 2022, and close November 1, 2022.
Is there an application fee?
No.
I haven’t published a book. Am I eligible for the fellowship?
While this fellowship is for emerging and distinguished writers, only candidates who have published at least one book by a trade press are eligible.
My first book won’t be out before the application deadline, but I will have bound galleys. Can I apply?
Yes. You are welcome to apply, or you can defer your application to the following year. Best of luck!
What specific materials do I submit for the fellowship application?
See our application guidelines here.
Where do I send my application?
Apply through Submittable.
What if I have other questions?
Please email blackmountaininstitute@unlv.edu with any questions.
When will I hear back?
Applicants will be notified no later than March 2023.
Who reviews these applications?
Candidate selection will be made by a committee comprised of staff and community stakeholders.
What are the fellowship dates?
We select fellows for two terms: fall semester (August 28, 2023 – December 16, 2023) and spring semester (January 16, 2024 – May 11, 2024).
How much time am I expected to spend in Las Vegas?
Fellows are expected to be in Las Vegas for the full term of their fellowships.
Does the fellowship include housing?
Yes, BMI fellows are provided housing, adjacent to other artists, in downtown Las Vegas, home to The Writer’s Block, our city’s wondrous independent bookstore. Fellows cover their own utilities.
What is the financial compensation for this fellowship?
Fellows will receive $20,000, paid through a part-time, semester-long employment (“letter of appointment”). Fellows are paid on the first of each month (partial months of services are prorated accordingly). Note: all UNLV employees, including BMI’s visiting fellows, are subject to mandatory retirement withholdings (You can learn more about UNLV’s FICA Alternative Plan).
What does the “working fellowship” entail?
BMI’s visiting fellows are asked to maintain regular in-office presence (no fewer than 10 hours a week). In addition, fellows are asked to fulfill BMI’s service hour requirements (at 10 hours a week). Fellowship responsibilities are flexible and custom-tailored to fellows’ particular interests and projects.
Is health insurance included?
Under the fellowship, fellows are eligible for health coverage (learn more about UNLV plan options and rates.). Health coverage begins on the first day of the month concurrent with, or following, the commencement of the fellowship and ends the last day of the month during which the fellowship ends (To illustrate: If a fellow elected to receive health coverage during their BMI fellowship and, if their residency ran from 8/26/19 – 12/14/19, they would receive health coverage from 9/1/19 – 12/31/19.).
In addition, the UNLV health center has a drop-in clinic and pharmacy, where fellows—regardless of their insurance status—can see a nurse practitioner or a physician.
Do I need a car in Las Vegas?
Getting around is easier if you have car in Las Vegas. We strongly encourage bringing a vehicle if you have one. Rideshares (Lyft and Uber), bike share, and public transportation are also available.