Graduate students and early career scholars (who have received their degrees in the last eight years) are invited to apply to the Dickinson Critical Institute to take place 1-5 PM on Thursday July 20, 2023, in Amherst, Massachusetts on the day before the Emily Dickinson International Society (EDIS) Annual Meeting. The Critical Institute provides an opportunity for participants to workshop critical essays, chapters, or conference papers in small seminars with established Dickinson scholars. Following these seminars, participants will gather for a large-group discussion of grant and award opportunities, publishing, and other professional development topics. For those who cannot travel to Amherst, it will also be possible to participate in the workshop portion of the Critical Institute virtually.


There is no charge for the Critical Institute, but in-person participants will be expected to register for and attend the July 21-23, Annual Meeting, “Clasp Hemispheres, and Homes.” Participants in the Critical Institute are welcome to propose a paper for a panel presentation at the EDIS Annual Meeting. You can find the 2023 Annual Meeting call for papers (due January 9, 2023) at https://www.emilydickinsoninternationalsociety.org/node/568. Dormitory lodging for Critical Institute participants will be at least partially subsidized.


If you are interested in applying to the Institute, please submit a one-page cv and a 500 word description of your project to edismeeting@emilydickinsonmuseum.org no later than February 1, 2023. Use the subject heading “[Last Name] Dickinson Institute Application,” and attach your application materials as a single Word or pdf document. Be sure to indicate whether you intend to participate virtually or in-person. Applicants will be notified by email by the end of February; selected participants will be asked to circulate 8-10-page papers to their workshop group by June 1, 2023.