SALA 2026: WRITERS COHORT
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Join us for a transformative six-month mentorship program designed for prose and poetry writers developing work for SALA 2026. Under the guidance of acclaimed author & educator Dr. Nandita Dinesh, this cohort offers:
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monthly two-hour virtual group sessions (first Sunday of each month, 10 AM-12 PM PST)
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one hour of personalized 1:1 support each month
Writers will create pieces inspired by this year's theme, "The Global Gaze, The South Asian Soul." Participants who attend at least 9 of 12 sessions will be eligible to present their work at SALA 2026 and compete for a jury-selected award. This is a unique opportunity to develop your craft in community, receive expert feedback, and share your voice at one of the region's premier literary festivals.
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, January 14: Applications open
Sunday, January 25, 10 AM to 12 PM: Zoom Info session
Saturday, February 28, 11.59 PM: Applications deadline
March 1 - March 31: Interviews and final selections
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Sunday, April 5, 10 AM to 12 PM US PST: Virtual cohort gathering
Rest of April: 1:1 virtual sessions with each individual participant, scheduled based on their availability
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Sunday, May 3, 10 AM to 12 PM US PST: Virtual cohort gathering
Rest of May: 1:1 virtual sessions with each individual participant, scheduled based on their availability
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Sunday, June 7, 10 AM to 12 PM US PST: Virtual cohort gathering
Rest of June: 1:1 virtual sessions with each individual participant, scheduled based on their availability
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Sunday, July 5, 10 AM to 12 PM US PST: Virtual cohort gathering
Rest of July: 1:1 virtual sessions with each individual participant, scheduled based on their availability
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Sunday, August 2, 10 AM to 12 PM US PST: Virtual cohort gathering
Rest of August: 1:1 virtual sessions with each individual participant, scheduled based on their availability
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Sunday, September 6, 10 AM to 12 PM US PST: Virtual cohort gathering
Rest of September: 1:1 virtual sessions with each individual participant, scheduled based on their availability
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Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27: Showcase at SALA 2026!
Post showcase debrief (TBD)
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PROGRAM FEE
The program fee is US$ 1800 and includes
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Two-hour monthly sessions from April through September 2026 (2 hours per month, 6 months)
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One-hour 1:1 consultations with Nandita each month (1 hour per month, 6 months)
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Access to both days of SALA 2026
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Invitation to present at SALA 2026
ABOUT THE MENTOR
Dr. Nandita Dinesh has two decades of experience in interdisciplinary arts-based research, responsive education, and project management: from leading arts & experiential education programs at UWC Mahindra College, UWC Dilijan College, UWC-USA & San Francisco University High School, to currently serving as a National Faculty member at Project Based Learning Works.
Nandita holds a PhD in Drama from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, an MA in Performance Studies from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, and a BA in Economics & Theater from Wellesley College. An alumna of the United World College movement, Nandita has conducted community-based theatre projects in various parts of the Indian subcontinent, the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. In 2017, she was awarded the Elliott Hayes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dramaturgy by Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas and has published extensively across genres.
Learn more about Nandita’s work here.
Hear from Nandita's former students and program participants here.
