In light of a comment made here today, I looked up data on receiving funds for writing and researaching in Asia. I found two excellent resources that I wish I’d known about seven or eight years ago! The first is courtesy of Lian Hearn. She mentions it on her blog, which I have a link to in my Favorite Sites Roll. Her site is something anyone interested in Asian literature should check out. The second option is one I just looked into. They have a swift response time. Alas, my current book is finished and I don’t need to return to China for further research on it. I don’t have enough information on my next book to know where in Asia I would need to travel, so here’s hoping someone out there can use this data.
1. Asialink Foundation is in Australia and seems to be made for Australian Artists (whether dance, visual arts, music or literature) to seek residencies in Asia for set periods of time. The deadline for the 2010 residences is September 4th at 5pm and they do not accept faxed or emailed applications, so you’ll have to move fast. For more information, go to http://www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au/our_work/arts/residency_application_information.
2. Deadline October 31, 2009. Whoever wants to discover Central, Eastern and Southern Europe or China, whoever plans on a publication in German and wants to start for research trips in the East, can apply for funding. The publications should be able to reach a broader audience and help to bring about a greater understanding for the countries of Central, Eastern and Southern Europe, and China. Literary prose and essays, photo (text) books, child and youth books, but also scripts for documentaries and sound radio contributions are welcome.One can apply for all-inclusive research grants varying from 2.000 to 10.000 €. From all incoming applications, an independent jury selects several projects for funding. Apart from this monetary funding, the “border crossers” are supported in the public presentation of their work.
BORDER CROSSER GRANTInga Niemann via telephone (+49 30-816996-64) E-mail (niemann@lcb.de)http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=FSVUB&m=1f6lYATkwhYbK5&b=trTmOd3aprnprmdtC.NWSw www.lcb.de/grenzgaenger
I found the Border Crosser Grant via http://www.fundsforwriters.com/, which sends out free newsletters chocked full of info for writers. It’s obviously worth your time to sign up!
I do not know if there are other resources out there for doing the sort of expensive research required for this type of literature. If anyone else has a list, please feel free to drop a note on it!
Thanks for posting this. I'll have to look into some of this.
With that Asialink one, I wonder if there's something similar set up for Americans? I'll have to look into it more.
BTW, I saw a comment on Jeannie's site about a historical fiction critique group online. I'm part of a local critique group (it's mostly fantasy based though) and I've been trying to find a good historical one online. Do you think you could let me know about it? I may not be able to join it for a little while, but my one novel is close to being ready to critique.