How the Arkansas International Supports Writers Beyond Getting Published
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The Arkansas International is an extension of the University of Arkansas MFA program for creative writing and translation, made possible by grants from the Whiting Foundation and other donors. However, this organization does more than just get writers published for their stories, poetry, comics and other works. In the past, it has offered an emerging writers’ prize for writers who have yet to publish a full-length book. Today, it offers a writers-at-risk residency. Here’s a look at what The Arkansas International supports and how writers can access its funding.
The current residency
The Arkansas International offers a writers-at-risk residency each year to writers who facing significant challenges in their home countries. The residency offers a year of peace and a space to write in a vibrant northwest Arkansas community. This opportunity comes with travel funds, visa assistance, housing, employment, professional contracts and language training if necessary. Created by novelist, professor and translator Padma Viswanathan, the residency is a chance for writers to rebuild their lives and careers free of persecution while having their works featured in the magazine. For instance, one recent recipient, from Nsukka, Nigeria, writes fiction while tapping into his experience with social segregation and oppression.
More than just Arkansas
It’s a common misconception that The Arkansas International’s reach is limited to the confines of the state of Arkansas. But in fact, the creative works in this magazine come from over 70 countries all around the world. They’ve been translated into over 35 languages and serve to put writers in touch with each other who would otherwise never come in contact. The overarching mission of the magazine touches on the wide spectrum of human experience and on challenging notions of what is considered regional versus international literature. It’s a fascinating approach that touches on various social issues too, including discrimination, critical inquiry and art as a response to the world’s issues.
General submissions welcome
Writers from around the world are welcome to submit previously unpublished, unsolicited submissions of fiction, poetry, comics, essays and works in translation. The organization accepts submissions between December 15 and March for general works and between June 15 and August 15 for a special, themed issue. There is a cost associated with the submissions, but the magazine offers waivers to BIPOC writers and those who are in need of financial assistance.
For information about other funders that provide support in Arkansas, visit IP’s Arkansas grantmaking page, which discusses giving trends in the state and provides a list of local foundations.
