COAL Newsletter, February 2024, week 1
Stay Updated with COAL š¤Æ
Hello there!
February and the next two months promises to be an exciting time at COAL. A lot of amazing things are ongoing and we would like you to be a part of the many exciting experiences.
Something to look forward to?
COAL is excited to host Theresa Ebi Tobuyei in Jos to discuss her debut novel GASP. Do not miss out on the fun, Register here for the opportunity to be part of the event.
Theresa Ebi Tobuyei was gracious enough to send us lovely fun facts about herself as we prepare to meet her in Jos soon. When asked to share a fun fact about herself, she said
āIām cynophobic! I am overwhelmingly afraid of canines, puppies inclusive! ā¦ It happened during my teen days; I was around thirteen or fourteen years of age, and that fateful day, my mother had sent my older sibling and I on an errand. It was all excitement until, boom, I got chased ferociously by dogs ā two. That day, I was hysterical, I cried, threw my footwear away and ran as fast as I could, I am sure even faster than Usain Bolt but then one of the dogs caught up with me and tore out a chunk of the left flap of my favorite navy blue trousersā¦
šļø New International Partnerships: COAL is excited to collaborate with the Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN), a global membership network of experts, practitioners, researchers, and organisational partners led by the Universities of Leicester and Kansai. In 2023, ADN launched a global campaign, declaring 12 March as the āInternational Awareness Day for Avoidable Deathsā (IAD4AD). The campaign slogan is āDisaster Deaths Are Avoidableā with the 2024 theme āDo One Thingā. This global campaign aims to raise the visibility of indirect disaster deaths and missing persons.
Poets for Avoidable Deaths: through this partnership with ADN, COAL is leveraging the potency of spoken word poetry to elevate the voices of youths on issues relating to disaster deaths. We will be working with some of Jos and Zambian finest poets Lardo, Younglan, Envoi and Vanessa. By empowering young poets in Africa, to take charge of their voice and agency, the campaign will spotlight the unconscionable realities around avoidable disaster deaths. Follow us for more details on campaign updates as we launch in March 2024.
Donāt miss out on some big stories on our website;
- āØ Abubakar Adam Ibrahim longlisted for the 2024 Dublin literary award for his thrilling Novel When We Were Fireflies
- š Our bookstore is open for orders. Place orders, pick up your books in Jos or make enquiries.
Opportunities for Creatives Worth checking out this week:
ā¾ļø Hear from a Volunteer
āThe difference between talent and harnessed talent to many is an opportunity to showcase it. COAL makes sure to provide that opportunity to many youths in Nigeria through carefully curated events that not just bridges the educational inequality gap but also engages the young generation and provides a safe space for creative enterprises and growthā¦ Iāve gotten some really cool gigs through COAL.ā
Join our family by volunteering with us click here to sign up
Until next time, warmest regards from all of us at COAL. š
Opportunities for Creatives:
ā Call for Applications: Caine Prize for Literature Submissions Deadline: 31st march 2024
The Caine Prize for African Writing, a renowned literary award, is currently accepting submissions. This prestigious prize aims to recognize and promote excellence in African literature. Writers from across the African continent are encouraged to submit their work for a chance to win the Ā£10,000 prize. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2024. This is an exceptional opportunity for African writers to gain recognition and support for their creative endeavors. For more information and submission guidelines, please visit the [Caine Prize for African Writing website]
ā Africa No Filter: African Stories Course Deadline: No Deadline
Elevate your storytelling skills with the āAfrican Stories: A Guide for Journalistsā course offered by Africa No Filter in collaboration with the Thomfound Foundation. In this course, participants will learn valuable techniques and strategies to enhance their storytelling abilities, particularly focusing on narratives related to Africa. The course is designed for journalists looking to expand their storytelling repertoire and make a meaningful impact through their work. Best of all, itās a free course with unlimited access, allowing participants to learn at their own pace. There is no application deadline, so interested individuals can [register here]
ā Doek! Literary Magazine Submissions Deadline: Ist issue: 29 February 2024, 2nd issue:30 September 2024
Doek! literary magazine is currently inviting submissions from writers who are eager to explore diverse topics and experiment with unique narrative styles. The editorial team is seeking fresh and innovative voices to contribute to the magazineās upcoming issues. Writers are encouraged to carefully review the submission rules and guidelines before submitting their work for consideration. This is an excellent opportunity for writers to showcase their talent and contribute to a vibrant literary community. For more information on how to submit your work, please visit the [Doek! literary magazine submission link].
ā Black Women Photographers X Nikon Grants Deadline: 17th February 2024
Calling all Black women photographers! Nikon, in collaboration with Black Women Photographers, is offering grants totaling $50,000 along with the latest Nikon mirrorless Z series gear. This opportunity aims to support Black women photographers in pursuing their creative projects and advancing their careers in photography. Whether youāre working on a specific project or looking to expand your photography business, these grants could provide the necessary funding and equipment to bring your vision to life. The deadline to apply is February 17, 2024. Donāt miss out on this chance to receive financial support and access cutting-edge photography gear. For more details and to submit your application, please visit the [Black Women Photographers x Nikon Grants page]
ā āEMBracing the Oceanā Artist-in-Residence Programme Deadline: 18th February 2024
The European Marine Board (EMB) is excited to announce the call for artists for its āEMBracing the Oceanā artist-in-residence programme. This unique opportunity brings together creative individuals from various disciplines to collaborate with ocean scientists in the co-creation of artwork. Artists selected for the programme will receive grants to support their participation in this collaborative venture. By bridging the worlds of art and science, the programme aims to raise awareness about ocean-related issues and inspire innovative solutions. The deadline to apply is February 18, 2024. For more information on how to become part of this transformative residency programme, please visit the [EMBracing the Ocean artist-in-residence programme page]
ā 7th MIFFest Feature Film Submissions Deadline: 24th February 2024
Filmmakers, hereās your chance to showcase your talent at the 7th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest). The festival is currently accepting submissions for feature films. This is an excellent opportunity to have your work seen by an international audience and to network with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals. The deadline for submissions is February 24, 2024. For more information on submission guidelines and how to submit your feature film, please visit the [MIFFest Feature Film submission page]
ā STARTS4AFRICA Residencies Programme Deadline: 18th February 2024
Are you an artist passionate about exploring the intersection of science, technology, and the arts in Sub-Saharan Africa? STARTS4AFRICA is pleased to announce the Call for Artists for its Residencies Programme. This initiative aims to promote innovation and creativity by fostering collaboration between artists and experts in science and technology. Selected artists will have the opportunity to participate in a residency dedicated to exploring new ideas and creating impactful works of art. The deadline to apply is February 18, 2024. For more details on how to apply for this unique residency opportunity, please visit the [STARTS4AFRICA Residencies Programme page].
ā Mdundo Ghana Internships Programme Deadline: 16th February 2024
Calling all music enthusiasts with skills in marketing, writing, content creation, and digital expertise! The Mdundo Ghana internships programme for 2024 is now open for applications. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the music industry and contribute to the promotion of Ghanaian music both locally and internationally. Whether youāre a recent graduate looking to kick-start your career or a seasoned professional seeking new challenges, this internship programme offers valuable opportunities for growth and development. The deadline to apply is February 16, 2024. For more information on how to apply, please visit the [Mdundo Ghana Internships Programme page]
ā Call for Applications: National Arts Council of South Africa Project Funding Deadline: March 8, 2024
The National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) is inviting applications for project funding for the 2024-2025 Financial Year. Individual arts practitioners, as well as registered arts organizations and community art centers, are encouraged to apply for funding to support their creative projects and initiatives. This funding opportunity provides vital support to the arts community, enabling artists and organizations to realize their artistic visions and contribute to the cultural landscape of South Africa.
The deadline for applications is March 8, 2024. For more details on eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit the [National Arts Council of South Africa Project Funding page]
ā Open Call: Forecast Mentorship Program Deadline: 26th February, 2024
Are you an aspiring artist looking for guidance and mentorship from internationally acclaimed artists? Apply for the Forecast Mentorship Program, offering the opportunity to be mentored by established artists in Germany. This program provides invaluable support and advice to emerging talents in various artistic disciplines. Make sure to carefully review the guidelines before submitting your application. The application deadline is February 26th, 2024. For more information and to apply, visit the [Forecast Mentorship Program page]
ā Open Call: SprinNG Writing Fellowship 2024 Deadline: 15th April 2024
Calling all writers! The application for the 2024 SprinNG Writing Fellowship is now open. This fellowship offers aspiring writers in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberian, and South Africa the opportunity to hone their craft under the guidance of experienced mentors. Whether youāre working on a novel, short stories, poetry, or non-fiction, this fellowship provides the support and resources you need to take your writing to the next level. The application deadline is April 15, 2024. Donāt miss out on this chance to develop your writing skills and connect with a vibrant literary community. Apply now by visiting the [SprinNG Writing Fellowship page].
ā Call for Submissions: Masobe Books Deadline: 31st March 2024
Masobe Books, a leading Nigerian publisher committed to promoting diverse voices and compelling narratives, is excited to open its 2024 submissions window for new manuscripts. This opportunity aims to uncover fresh literary talents from the African Continent. From February 1st to March 31st, 2024, emerging authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts for consideration. Masobe Books seeks captivating stories that captivate, enlighten, and entertain readers while reflecting diverse perspectives. If you have a story to share, donāt miss this chance to have your voice heard. For more details and to submit your manuscript, please visit the [Masobe Books submissions page]