Bob Dylan Center, World Publishing Songwriters Fellowship – Billboard

Joseph Okpaku/Redferns

Songwriters now have a new prize to strive for, one named after the greatest of them all – Bob Dylan.

The Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship will be awarded each year to two songwriters, an initiative that identifies, guides, and develops emerging talent, using the resources of the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

An initiative of the Universal Music Publishing Group and BDC, each fellowship includes a $40,000 project stipend, public engagement and presentation opportunities, dedicated time in the Bob Dylan Archives to study the legendary artist’s creative process, round-trip airfare to Tulsa and lodging, and mentorship from the musicians. Songwriters, publishing giant executives, recording time, and more.

Joining the preliminary judging panel are Juliette Armanette, Patty Griffin, John Mellencamp, Carla Morrison, and Nas.

BDC Director Stephen Jenkins commented that the Fellowship is “at the heart of our mission of educating, motivating and inspiring visitors to engage their potential as creators, and we can’t wait to hear from undiscovered talents around the world.”

Eligible creators from around the world can submit their work between now and October 18, 2023. To meet the fellowship criteria, entrants must be 18 years of age or older and not sign a publishing agreement of any kind at the time the fellowship begins. May 1, 2024.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity to connect growing talent with the work of one of the greatest songwriters of all time,” comments UMPG Chief Operating Officer Mark Cimino, adding, “We look forward to developing a new group of songwriters in this unique environment.”

The fellowship, which runs from May 2024 through April 2025, will be offered 15 months after the grand opening of the Business Development Centre, the museum and archive that celebrates the work of the Nobel Laureate.

Its collection of 100,000 items was acquired in 2016 by the Georg Kaiser Family Foundation for an estimated $20 million. Visitors get a complete picture of Dylan’s career, including handwritten manuscripts, notebooks, and correspondence. films, videos, photographs, and artwork; unreleased studio and concert recordings; musical instruments and more.

For more details visit bobdylancenter.com/songwriterfellowship.