Among the oldest and most respected MFA programs in the country, the MFA for Poets and Writers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a three-year program dedicated to writing workshops and the completion of a book-length manuscript in prose or poetry. The MFA for Poets and Writers champions the creation of new and important writing, and for over fifty years has been a place for writers to concentrate on their work and to write their books.

Applications are due December 15, 2023! More information can be found on our admissions page.

Founded in 2004, the Juniper Initiative for Arts and Action engages the community at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, in Western Massachusetts, and beyond with outstanding and diverse literary programming and provides opportunities for MFA candidates to develop professional skills, participate in critical issues of the day, and cultivate a network of professional and academic colleagues. 

Paperbark was developed by a visionary group of faculty, staff, graduate students, and alumni of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and is a collaboration between the School of Earth and Sustainability, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and the UMass Libraries.

Issue 04 is available for purchase now.

Photo Credit: Caroline Donaghey