Hearst Center for the Arts: James Hearst Writer-in-Residence 2025–2026

The Hearst Center for the Arts is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 James Hearst Writer-in-Residence program. Entering its second year, the residency celebrates and supports Iowa's literary community by offering writers space, resources, and opportunities to share their work in the Cedar Valley.

The residency is open to fiction and nonfiction writers, poets, playwrights, and songwriters living in the Greater Cedar Valley region. The selected resident will pursue an independent literary project and collaborate with the Hearst Center on at least two community outreach activities. Possible activities include workshops, readings, artist talks, or written contributions to Hearst Center programs and exhibitions.

The James Hearst Writer-in-Residence will receive:

• A $1,000 honorarium, awarded in two installments

• A subsidized studio space at the Red House Artist Studios, adjacent to the Hearst Center for the Arts

• Support in planning outreach activities with Hearst Center staff

Applications are due Friday, September 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eligible applicants must be 18 or older, live in the Cedar Valley for the entire residency term (October 30, 2025 - September 30, 2026), and provide their own transportation to the Red House Studios.

Required materials include:

• Resume or CV

• Writing portfolio (up to 3 samples)

• Cover letter with proposed project outline (projects with a clear, promotable final product are encouraged)

The selection committee will meet the week of September 29, with the recipient notified and announced on October 17, 2025.

Applications may be submitted by email or in person to:

Cory Hurless, Cultural Programs Supervisor

Email: [email protected]

The James Hearst Writer-in-Residence program honors the legacy of Cedar Falls poet James Hearst and is made possible in part by the Iowa Arts Council's Cultural Leadership Partner grant, a program of the Iowa Economic Development Authority funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

The Hearst Center for the Arts, part of the City of Cedar Falls' Community Development Department, is located at 304 W. Seerley Boulevard. Hours are Tuesday & Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday & Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday & Sunday, 1-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.thehearst.org or call (319) 273-8641.