"I've always heard, read, and spoken about the importance of community in any artistic endeavor. The poet's road can be a lonely one; the drifting heart needs its anchors. But I never realized how empowering a community of artists could be until I spent four days with the Kundiman staff, teachers, and Fellows. I found there what I failed to find in my MFA program, or in any other poetry workshop I've taken: a deep respect and honor among poets; a desire to talk about race, identity, and history, in conjunction with one's composition process; and a willingness to be brave, to fail, and to look silly." ––Brynn Saito, Kundiman Retreat Fellow

Applications are now open for the 2020 Kundiman Retreat! With Master Classes and Mentorship from six nationally renowned Asian American poets and fiction writers, the Kundiman Retreat works to mentor the next generation of Asian American writers.

Location: Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus
Retreat Dates: June 24th–June 28th
Application Period: December 1st–January 15th

Fiction Faculty: Nayomi Munaweera, Madeleine Thien, & Vu Tran

Poetry Faculty: Jenny Boully, Philip Metres, & Matthew Olzmann

Find out more about the application process here. You can also read more testimonials from past and current Fellows.

Good luck, and we're so excited to read your submissions!