Victoria Amelina Fellowship

Victoria Amelina Fellowship Programme 2027: Open Call

INDEX is announcing the third open call for applications to the 2027 Victoria Amelina Fellowship Programme for non-fiction writers. Two scholarship recipients will spend January to March 2027 in Lviv.

Following an open call for applications, the selection panel will choose two scholarship recipients—one from abroad and one from Ukraine. As part of the programme, they will receive:

• accommodation in a modern flat in the centre of Lviv, equipped with emergency power supply batteries;
• a workspace at the INDEX office;
• a stipend of 50,000 UAH per month (for three months);
• participation in seminars and workshops to discuss the project;
• participation in a packed cultural and research programme in Lviv and other cities across Ukraine, organised by INDEX and our institutional partners;
• if desired, a documentary trip to regions close to the front line (in collaboration with Ukrainian PEN);
• institutional visits to local cultural institutions;
• networking and inclusion in the interdisciplinary INDEX community—authors and researchers from Ukraine and abroad;
• a presentation at Victoria Day 2027—the programme’s annual closing event in Lviv, which strengthens ties between the international communities that Victoria Amelina was a part of (culture, memory, and the investigation of war crimes).

Expected outcomes of the programme:

• A new work of non-fiction created by each Fellow (a completed book manuscript, libretto, collection of poetry, screenplay, etc.);
• One essay or column for the INDEX journal ‘Narysy’, reflecting on their experience of participating in the programme.

The programme requires physical presence in Lviv and at possible public events that may take place during the programme in other cities. Personal travel during the programme is permitted, although there is an expectation that the Fellow will take part in all scheduled activities. Any absence from the programme lasting more than three weeks must be specifically mentioned in the application and confirmed with the organisers.

Who can apply?

Writers interested in the topic of human rights and in exploring the causes and consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine. At the time of application, the author must have at least one published book.

How to apply?

Applicants must submit:

• A short CV;
• A motivation letter, which should include a one-page proposal for the project they plan to carry out during the fellowship, as well as a justification of the project’s relevance to the mission of the Fellowship Programme and the INDEX;
• One published work (e.g. a chapter from a book, an essay or a collection of poems).

Application form for Ukrainian writers: https://forms.gle/HLnpMDpadzpNNT7v9

Application form for international writers: https://forms.gle/zjEdgtsz4xvgs2NT9

Decision

The winners will be contacted privately by 30 October 2026 to confirm their availability. If they do not accept the offer by 2 November, their seat is passed to the next shortlisted candidate.

Deadline: 22 October 2026

Winners to be announced: 30 October 2026