Applications now accepted for the first Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Writing Residency in Spring 2022
African American writers of all genres are encouraged to apply for the three-month residency in Columbus, Ohio, that celebrates the legacy of the late MacArthur Fellow artist and writer
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Museum of Art is now welcoming applications from U.S.-based African American writers, scholars and researchers for the first Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Writing Residency. Writers of fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry, and scholars and researchers who focus on African American art and culture from all periods and in all media are encouraged to apply. Work should be deeply rooted in storytelling; cultural traditions and heritage; the centrality of African American women in art; race, racism and social activism in the arts; or research about art related to these themes. Residents that engage Robinson’s life and work will have access to her art, archives and library. The residency, which begins May 1, 2022, provides the recipient with an unrestricted $15,000 cash award and 90-day retreat in the late artist’s newly renovated Columbus, Ohio-home studio.
“In launching the Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Writing Residency CMA promotes its mission to nurture and share outstanding creative achievements by renowned Columbus artists whose influences reach far beyond our region,” said Nannette V. Maciejunes, CMA’s executive director and CEO. “The Museum is so proud to honor Aminah Robinson’s vision and universal appeal through this residency.”
Residents will have the gift of uninterrupted time to work on projects of their choice in a setting that formed the heart of Aminah Robinson’s creative process for more than 40 years. In exchange, the recipient will agree to complete a community engagement project in consultation with the Columbus Museum of Art. This could take the form of public writing workshops, readings and/or lectures.
“This residency was designed for writers to be not only inspired by Aminah Robinson’s love of community, everyday activism and broad artistic impact but to avail themselves of the extraordinary local talent and resources here in the Columbus area,” said Deidre Hamlar, Director of the Aminah Robinson Legacy Project, and co-curator of CMA’s recent exhibition, Raggin’ On: The Art of Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson’s House and Journals.
Applicants must identify as African American, be permanent residents of the United States and be professional or pre-professional or emerging writers, scholars, or researchers. Jurors are scholars and writing professionals who represent a diverse range of genres and disciplines. The window for applications to be submitted is October 1 through November 4, 2021.
For full eligibility guidelines and to apply online, please visit: gcac.smartsimple.com
This is the first Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson residency to be awarded to a writer. The inaugural Robinson residency recipient was a visual artist. The residency is made possible with the financial support of Loann Crane.
Born in 1940 in Columbus, Ohio, Robinson was raised in Poindexter Village and moved with her family to the Shepard community. She eventually purchased her own home in Shepard in 1974 and lived there the rest of her life. When she died in 2015, Robinson bequeathed most of her estate, including her house, to the Columbus Museum of Art.
Throughout her life and career, Robinson documented stories about historic Columbus neighborhoods and her family’s ancestral roots in Africa, in order to preserve them for future generations. Robinson’s diverse body of work is about building bridges and making connections between the past and present, across continents, and between the physical and spiritual worlds.
About Columbus Museum of Art
Columbus Museum of Art, located at 480 East Broad Street, creates great experiences with great art for everyone.
Ongoing support is provided by The Greater Columbus Arts Council, Nationwide Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, and the Paul-Henri Bourguignon and Erika Bourguignon Fund for Visual Arts; Bette Wallach Fund for Columbus; and Richard G. and Mary Jo Seyler funds of The Columbus Foundation.
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Photo courtesy of Ira Graham
