The Bob Dylan Center and Universal Music Publishing Group, the world’s leading music publishing company, have joined forces again for the Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship. The Fellowship was created to refine songwriting skills while forging meaningful connections with music industry creative executives through the resources of the Bob Dylan Center.
To be awarded to two recipients annually, each Fellowship encompasses a $25,000 project stipend, roundtrip airfare, and travel accommodations to Tulsa. Additionally, these recipients will gain public engagement and presentation opportunities, dedicated time in the Bob Dylan Archive to study Dylan’s creative process, mentorship from UMPG songwriters and executives, and recording time in Tulsa’s historic The Church Studio, the famous studio of Leon Russell.
Applications will be reviewed by the BDC and UMPG executives. Fellowship recipients will be selected by a panel of renowned and esteemed singer and songwriters, including: Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend; James Mercer of The Shins; Dan Wilson; and Lucy Dacus, also known for her work with boygenius.
The application window for the Songwriter Fellowship is now closed. Stay tuned for updates about the next application window.
Beginning March 17 through April 27, eligible songwriters may submit entries for consideration. To be eligible, entrants must be 18 years or older, U.S. citizens, and unsigned to a publishing agreement of any kind at the time of the Fellowship start date, August 2026 through July 2027.
From nearly 600 applications that were received and considered, the Bob Dylan Center and Universal Music Publishing Group have selected two songwriters to be a part of the 2024 Fellowship.
The center will be closing at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12.
