Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) and Art Omi, an American not-for-profit art organization, have renewed their partnership to sponsor one aspiring Arabic Writer to partake in the HBKU Press & Art Omi: 2021 Writer’s Residency.

The sponsored Arabic writer will participate in the annual residency, set to take place in Ghent, New York. It will provide the participant with the freedom and space away from the daily pressure to write and create the Art Omi residences surrounded by the landscape of 300 acres of rolling farmland with spectacular views of the Catskills and Hudson River Valley.

The writer will have the opportunity to connect with experts visiting the retreat, comprising of literary talents from around the world as well as publishers from the United States. Moreover, this year's retreat has taken travel and safety precautions set by the State of New York to accommodate visitors and guests.

During the retreat, residents are encouraged to select one written piece to focus on for the duration of the residency. Daytime is reserved for writing and quiet activities, while evenings are more communal. Noted editors, agents and book scouts are invited to share dinner and conversation on both creative and practical subjects, offering insight into the workings of the publishing industry, and introductions to some of its key professionals.

“Despite the current global challenges, HBKU Press is committed to serving the wider community by continuing to provide sponsorship opportunities like the HBKU Press & Art Omi: 2021 Writer’s Residency,” explains Bachar Chebaro, Executive Director of Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press. “This is the perfect platform for Arabic writers to highlight their work in a global context by engaging in a program that aims to support and promote literary talents from the region.”

Regarding health and safety of visitors, DW Gibson, Director Art Omi: Writers explained, “Our organization will remain fluid to the requirements of our local, state and federal government with regards to safety protocols. In fact, our safety requirements were designed in collaboration with our county health officials and we have refitted all of our indoor common areas to adapt to them and to ensure the safety of all participating residents.”

He mentioned that the safety measures will allow visitors to enjoy their individual meals while maintaining six feet distance and are also encouraged to socialize and gather outside when the weather permits. Moreover, masks will be required in areas of proximity.

“We are also pursuing virtual visits from publishing professionals when it is not possible for them to physically visit,” continues Gibson. “Also, a staff member with more than 20 years of publishing experience remains ‘on-call’ in our library, twice a week, so residents can arrange meetings with her to talk about their career and whatever help they might be looking for when it comes to making connections to U.S. readers and publishers. We anticipate and hope that some of the restrictions will be lifted in the spring of 2021 and even more so for the fall of 2021 to accommodate residents who will be joining us from overseas.”

The program has operated with these measures throughout the pandemic and with success.

 This collaboration reflects the spirit of cultural exchange that is essential to both HBKU Press’ and Art Omi’s mission. Also, the residency in 2021 is one of the key ways that HBKU Press has aligned with the 2021 Year of Culture: Qatar – USA.

HBKU Press has opened its application for the residency program on its website. This opportunity is open to all writers, though preference is given to mid-career writers. Applicants must have an intermediate grasp of the English language as the residency and its workshops are all in English. A full application package includes the application, which can be found on hbkupress.com, statement of purpose (1000 words), and CV to be submitted in English; and a writing sample (5000 words) that can be in Arabic. Only completed applications will be considered.

For more details on the requirements, terms and conditions, and to apply for the residency, please visit hbkupress.com. The deadline for the application is 15 December 2020. HBKU Press will announce the shortlist of finalists on 25 December 2020, and one finalist who will attend the retreat will be announced on 15 January 2021.

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