Writer in Residence Grant

The Writer in Residence Grant, offered by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, is a prestigious biennial award recognizing literary excellence among Idaho writers. This grant not only provides financial support but also encourages engagement with the community through workshops and readings. Applicants must be practicing writers, at least 18 years old, and Idaho residents for one year prior to applying. The grant aims to foster literary appreciation and support arts jobs across the state.

The Idaho Commission on the Arts is a state agency dedicated to bringing the arts to all Idahoans.
We convene local and regional gatherings for artists and arts administrators, provide grants and technical assistance to arts and cultural organizations, and facilitate capacity building in communities to support arts jobs and businesses.
This biennial grant is the highest literary recognition and largest financial award accorded an Idaho writer. The residency encourages an interaction with and appreciation for excellence in literature throughout the state.
Anonymous applications are adjudicated by a panel of out-of-state experts in the field. The Writer in Residence is required to engage with Idaho residents through readings, craft workshops, presentations, events or projects four times a year, throughout their appointment (6/8 in underserved communities). A final report is due by July 31, which must then be approved for the grantee to remain eligible for future funding.

Eligibility

Applicant must be at least 18 years old
Applicant must be a United States citizen, legal resident, or refugee, and be an Idaho resident for at least one year prior to the application deadline
Final reports for past Commission grants and awards must be submitted and approved
The Writer in Residence is limited to two nonconsecutive awards
The Writer in Residence may receive a Fellowship before becoming Writer in Residence, but after that, he or she is ineligible for a Literature Fellowship
Applicant may apply for Writer in Residence and a Fellowship in the same cycle. Only one will be awarded

Ineligibility

What We Cannot Fund:Establishment of or contributions to an endowment;
Projects or programs to generate or attract audiences;
Offsetting of debt, payment of fines, penalties, or legal fees;
Activities that are primarily promotional or created for mass distribution, such as duplication of CDs, creation of portfolios, private gallery announcements, brochures, or websites;
Self-published books
Student exhibitions, anthologies, publications, or performances, unless those activities document an arts education grant;
Costs associated with any degree or professional certification, such as tuition, fees, and teaching materials;
Projects or activities already completed or beginning before the eligible start date or documentation of previously completed projects;
Documentation of projects except for arts education activities;
Activities restricted to an organization’s membership;
Costs for consecutive attendance at annual activities that are routinely within an arts organization’s budget including, but not limited to, conferences of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Americans for the Arts, American Folklore Society, or the Western Arts Alliance;
Pageants, festivals, or celebrations unrelated to arts, ethnic, or cultural activities;
Journalism;
Historical or academic documentary film and electronic media arts that do NOT demonstrate significant artistic emphasis, consideration, and distinction;
Scholarly or academic works in history, languages, archeology, and political science;
Lobbying expenses or political activities;
Hospitality expenses such as food and drink, alcohol, flowers, etc. Any such expenses included in a project approved for funding must be paid with applicant funds;
Capital expenses for an individual; or
Writing intended for youth.