Journalism Fellowship at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

Al-Bustan is a seeking talented and motivated writer and/or multimedia storyteller for a six-month fellowship with Al-Bustan’s new online journal. The fellow will produce engaging original stories in a variety of media for and about Arab American and Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) communities in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. This is a part-time, freelance role.

Al-Bustan’s community-focused, arts-forward community media platform highlights the diversity, achievements, and rich cultural heritage of the Arabic-speaking and broader SWANA diaspora in the Philadelphia region, featuring interviews, essays, photography, short-form video, data visualizations, reviews, event coverage, and profiles.

Location:

Remote within the Philadelphia area, with periodic in-person meetings at the Al-Bustan gallery at 310 W. Master St.

Responsibilities:

  • Submit 2–3 timely, engaging and polished stories per month, on deadline; stories may be in writing (~500 words), short-form video, audio, and/or other media as assigned or approved by the editor

  • Conduct in-person reporting whenever possible; meet with editor weekly via Zoom, in addition to occasional meetings at Al-Bustan gallery as needed

  • Monitor local news and events to pitch stories to editor on a weekly basis

  • Adhere to Al-Bustan’s editorial and ethical standards

Duration and Compensation:

  • The fellowship spans six months from the start date

  • Fellows are paid $300 per story, for maximum compensation of $900 per month and maximum compensation of $5,400 for the duration of the fellowship

Required Qualifications:

  • A portfolio of at least two published and bylined work samples, at least one of which should be written. Applicants without published writing or demonstrated writing skills will not be considered.

  • Deep familiarity with and interest in SWANA cultures and communities in the Philadelphia region

  • Full-time residency in the Philadelphia area

  • A willingness to accept and incorporate revisions to drafts

  • Strong communication and organizational skills

  • Ability to work under deadline and submit drafts in a timely manner

  • Valid U.S. work authorization

Desired Qualifications:

  • Fluency or proficiency in spoken Arabic

  • Undergraduate degree in journalism, creative writing, communications, or related field

  • Experience conducting interviews

  • Understanding of journalistic ethics and standards

  • Experience collaborating with an editor

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume and portfolio of work samples to News@albustanseeds.org. Applications will be accepted until October 2, 2026.

Please note that applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications received after the deadline will be kept on file for a future fellowship round.