Mesa Refuge Application Guidelines
Mesa residencies are available April-November each year, and are granted through two application cycles. The first step in applying for a residency is to review the application criteria to ensure that your writing work is a strong fit for our program.Application Deadlines
Applications must be in our office on or before the specified deadline.
February 1st is the application deadline for spring and early summer sessions (April-July).
May 20th is the application deadline for late summer and fall sessions (August-November).
Criteria
The Mesa Refuge welcomes both experienced writers and accomplished individuals new to writing. We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, but generally only support projects that address the environment, the economy, and related social equity issues. We also prioritize writing with a strong potential for impact:
- Is it timely?
- Will it be published or produced?
- Where will it be published?
- Will it reach a broad audience?
- Will it give voice to new strategies or pressing issues that have seen little publicity?
Nonfiction projects are generally preferred. While first-time novelists and filmmakers are sometimes accepted, their work must directly address the themes above. Please note that we are no longer accepting proposals for poetry writing or dissertation work.
Former Mesa Residents can apply for a return residency at the Refuge if they haven't been at the Mesa in the past two years. However, return residencies are not guaranteed.
The Mesa Refuge is designed as an individual retreat, and is not able to accommodate writing teams, couples or families.
How to Apply
If your writing work fits all or most of the above eligibility criteria, then we invite you to submit a residency application.
1. Download the Mesa Refuge Application Form and fill in all requested information. (If you are having trouble downloading the form, you can click HERE and copy and paste the Mesa Refuge Application Form into a word processing document).
2. Send five copies of your completed application and all attachments by mail to the postal address below, and send one set by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . (We prefer double-sided printing to save paper and postage). Your complete application must include:
1) Mesa Application Form (please respond to the Applicant Questions).
2) Names and contact information of three references familiar with your work. At least one of these should know you well personally. (Do not send written recommendations.)
3) Updated resume (no longer than two pages).
4) A brief statement of your proposed project (no longer than 2 pages). Explain how it fits into the Mesa Refuge’s mission.
5) A sample of your writing – essays, articles, excerpts from a book – not to exceed 15 pages. If you are a filmmaker, please mail five (5) video copies of your work.
Please refrain from using folders, binders and glossy packaging materials.
Selection & Notification of Residents
Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee of the Mesa Refuge Advisory Board. Applicants can expect to be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision approximately four to six weeks after the application deadline.
