2026 JWJ Artist Residency Fellowship for Emory Faculty

JWJI and Emory College are pleased to partner with the James Weldon Johnson Literary Estate to offer one Emory faculty member a James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts, a 1-2 week artist's residency in Great Barrington, Massachusetts in Summer 2026. Fellows are invited to be in residence for either 1-2 weeks, starting on either June 20 or July 4 . Located on the bucolic 220-acre Simonu2019s Rock Campus of Bard College in Great Barrington, the Fellows are offered studio space in the Daniel Arts Center, one of the premier facilities in the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts. The residency program seeks to support established, mid-career and emerging visual artists, writers, scholars and others whose work exemplifies the values that James Weldon Johnson dedicated his life to: social equity, creative expression, erudition, social justice and community. Ideally, the Fellows will find creative inspiration in each other, in the Simonu2019s Rock community and in the surrounding natural world. Throughout the residency, artists will be brought together with dynamic scholars, artists and students for lively discussions. Since 2017, twenty-seven artists have been awarded The James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts, a residency that includes housing and financial support. Artists reside on campus and have access to James Weldon Johnsonu2019s summer retreat, Five Acres. A short distance from the artists' living quarters, this sacred space includes Johnsonu2019s home and writing cabin where he wrote some of his most famous works, including _Godu2019s Trombones_ , and his autobiography, _Along This Way_ . Fellows chosen for the artist's residency will live on the campus of Bard College at Simon's Rock. They are also expected to give a talk and make a public exhibition of their work in progress. Fellows live in a community called The Mods, which are apartment-style residences on the Simonu2019s Rock campus. Each of the Mods has two single rooms, one double room, and a common lounge space and kitchen. Fellows may use kitchens to prepare their own meals. Residents will also have access to the Kilpatrick Athletic Center, a premier facility offering a stunning indoor pool, yoga and aerobic classes, tennis, squash, racquetball and basketball courts, an indoor track, a weight room and other activities to support physical well-being. The fellowship includes a $2000 stipend, in addition to the free housing. JWJI and Emory College will nominate one faculty member for consideration for the residency. A faculty committee will select the nominee and forward the application to the James Weldon Johnson Estate for further consideration. The Johnson Estate has final say on the selection of fellows.Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. Emory University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Georgia State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Emory University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in use of facilities without such discrimination. The University also complies with all applicable federal and Georgia statutes and regulations prohibiting unlawful discrimination. All members of the student body, faculty, and staff are expected to assist in making this policy valid in fact. Any inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Office of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Bldg., Suite 305, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone 404/727-9867 (V) 404/712-2049 (TDD).

Created: 2026-02-16