Letras Boricuas fellowship opens 3rd edition for Puerto Rican writers
The Mellon Foundation and the Flamboyán Arts Fund have announced the launch of the third edition of Letras Boricuas, a fellowship to support emerging and established Puerto Rican writers across various genres, including fiction, creative nonfiction, children’s literature, poetry (including spoken word), and now, dramaturgy. Recipients will receive a $25,000 unrestricted fellowship to advance their literary work.
Applications open on March 15 at 10 a.m.
Founded in 2021, the fellowship aims to recognize and promote the work of Puerto Rican writers on the island and across the U.S. diaspora, many of whom have persisted through challenges such as natural disasters, political upheaval and scarce funding.
Over its first two years, the fellowship has distributed $1 million to 40 writers, affirming the Mellon and Flamboyán foundations’ dedication to the island’s cultural infrastructure.
The application deadline for the third cohort of Letras Boricuas is April 30 at 4 p.m., with the announcement of fellows slated for fall 2024.
Eligibility requirements have been broadened this year to include more writers. Applicants must be at least 21, reside in Puerto Rico or stateside, and self-identify as Puerto Rican.
While previous editions required authors to have published within the last five years, this has now been extended to include publications within the last 10 years. A committee of experienced writers and literary professionals appointed by the Mellon Foundation and the Flamboyán Arts Fund will evaluate the applications. The selection process, which spans two stages, will be conducted online.
The foundations recently confirmed the continuation of Letras Boricuas for three more years. With three new cohorts, the fellowship will support 100 writers over five years, distributing more than $2.5 million.
