In this time of necessary societal transformation, we recognize that Hand Papermaking has been operating within a culture that perpetuates social inequities. We are resolved in taking concrete steps so we may fulfill our role as the journal of record that truly reflects the full breadth of work in our field. In solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives, Hand Papermaking is launching the Hand Papermaking Black Writers Fellowships, an evolving program that currently offers two opportunities for Black writers: Reporter and Researcher.

The Black Writers Fellowship: Reporter is an opportunity for a Black writer to engage with “Celebrating #BlackPapermakers,” Hand Papermaking’s curated series, featured on our social-media channels, to uplift and center Black artists and papermakers. The Reporter will write an original profile on an artist of their choice who has been featured in “Celebrating #BlackPapermakers.” Applicants may also propose a Black papermaker who has not yet been featured in our curated series; if selected, Hand Papermaking will work with the Reporter and the proposed Black papermaker to feature their work on our social-media channels. The profile will be short-form and eligible for publication in Hand Papermaking magazine, Summer 2021 issue. Priority will be given to proposals that are framed through the lens of oral history, the theme of the Summer 2021 issue. The Reporter will receive a $300 award and a research stipend of up to $150 for expenses incurred.

For more information about the The Black Writers Fellowship: Reporter — including eligibility and submission requirements, deadlines, selection and notification processes, and Fellowship timeline, click here to download a full Fellowship RFP.

The Black Writers Fellowship: Researcher is a research-based opportunity for a Black writer that will result in the publication of an original article in Hand Papermaking magazine. The applicant’s proposal must be related to the field of hand papermaking and indicate an ongoing investment in research and inquiry in the field. The article will be long-form and eligible for publication in Hand Papermaking magazine, Winter 2021 issue. The Researcher will receive a $1,000 award and a fellowship stipend of up to $1,000 for expenses incurred, including but not limited to research travel, resources, transcription or translation services, site visits, free attendance to a field-related conference, workshop attendance, and other professional development opportunities.

For more information about the The Black Writers Fellowship: Reporter — including eligibility and submission requirements, deadlines, selection and notification processes, Fellowship timeline, and an invitation to attend a virtual Fellowship FAQ session on Monday, October 5 (at 7pm ET), click here to download a full Fellowship RFP.