The Bob Dylan Center and UMPG open applications for 2026-2027 Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship

The Bob Dylan Center (BDC) and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) have announced that the application period for the 2026–2027 Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship is open, with applications accepted until April 27.

Created to mentor and develop aspiring songwriters in association with the resources of the BDC, the Fellowship is awarded annually to two recipients who demonstrate exceptional promise and artistic vision. The programme gives emerging talent direct access to the Bob Dylan Archive® and a creative residency in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The 2026–2027 recipients will be selected by artists Lucy Dacus, also known for her work with boygenius; Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend; James Mercer of The Shins; and Dan Wilson.

The Bob Dylan Center opened in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in May 2022 as the permanent home of the Bob Dylan Archive. The mission of the Center is to inspire and celebrate fearless creativity by exploring the music and artistry of the Nobel Prize–winning singer-songwriter as a catalyst for personal expression and cultural change.

Each Fellowship features a $25,000 project stipend, public engagement and presentation opportunities, and dedicated time in BDC’s Bob Dylan Archive® to study Dylan’s creative process.

The recipients will travel to Tulsa for four separate visits throughout the year-long fellowship, with roundtrip flights and accommodations provided, and will receive mentorship from UMPG songwriters and executives.

They will also be given recording time at The Church Studio, founded by Leon Russell, where they will be aided in creating songwriter demo recordings to support the next stage of their careers.

Applications can be submitted here.