Organizer Information

The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts (VCCA) is one of the largest artists' communities in the world, providing time and space for writers, visual artists, and composers to focus on their creative work. Located at Mt. San Angelo in Amherst, Virginia, VCCA is a non-profit organization that has hosted thousands of artists since its inception. It is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where cross-disciplinary dialogue thrives, supported by a peer-review selection process involving esteemed professionals in various artistic fields.

Title & Description

Tahira Zaheer Fellowship for South Asian Writers.

This fully-funded fellowship was established in 2026 by VCCA Fellows Council member Hananah Zaheer in honor of her mother. The program is specifically designed to support the creative growth of South Asian writers by providing a distraction-free environment within a supportive community. Selected fellows receive a dedicated residency period to focus on their manuscript or research, benefiting from the quiet inspiration of the Virginia countryside and the opportunity to engage with a diverse cohort of international artists.

Category

Literature / Writing (including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and playwriting).

Eligibility

  • Open to writers globally, with preference given to those of South Asian descent.
  • Applicants must be professional artists or demonstrate significant promise in their field.
  • To maintain a rotating community, returning VCCA Fellows are only eligible to reapply if it has been at least two years since their last residency at Mt. San Angelo.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • The fellowship provides a fully-funded two-week residency at Mt. San Angelo.
  • This includes a private bedroom with an en-suite bath, a separate individual studio space tailored for writing, and three prepared meals daily.
  • Beyond the financial coverage of the stay, fellows benefit from a community of cross-disciplinary artists, providing a unique platform for professional networking and artistic exchange.

Application Fee

$30 (payable via SlideRoom). For artists for whom this fee presents a significant financial barrier, fee waivers are available upon request at least five days prior to the deadline.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit an online application through SlideRoom, which includes a professional CV, a project description outlining their goals for the residency, and recent work samples. VCCA utilizes a peer-review process where panels of experts in each category evaluate submissions based on professional achievement or the promise of such achievement. Biographical details and logistical information are also required, though letters of recommendation are not necessary.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted exclusively online. Interested writers should complete the “Application for Mt. San Angelo Residencies, VCCA in Virginia – Spring 2027” and specifically select their interest in the Tahira Zaheer Fellowship in the designated fellowship section of the form.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: May 15, 2026.
  • Notification Date: August 31, 2026.
  • Residency Period: Between January and April 2027.

Location

Mt. San Angelo, Amherst, Virginia, USA.

Additional Details

  • VCCA is committed to accessibility and can accommodate a variety of needs to ensure all artists can fully participate in the residency.
  • The Selection Committee rotates regularly to ensure a wide range of styles and tastes are represented.
  • Artists should ensure their work samples are reflective of their current practice and formatted according to the specific guidelines provided within the SlideRoom portal.

Contact Information