Representing Wales: 2025 Writer Development Programme Open for Applications
Deadline for applications: 12.00 pm midday, Thursday 10 October 2024
The programme, which is now in its fifth year, will support a cohort of 14 writers by offering the following:
- A bursary of £3,000
- A travel and ticket fund
- An intense training programme on craft and on professional career development featuring world-renowned writers as tutors and guest speakers including online writing rooms and writing masterclasses, one of which will be a residential weekend at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre
- A personal mentor
- Regular opportunities for the cohort to share creative work and feedback
- Networking opportunities throughout the year, online and in person
- Dedicated support from Literature Wales including advice, signposting and identifying opportunities
- A bespoke aftercare programme
“Before starting Representing Wales I didn’t think that writing could be my career. I thought writing was my hobby and now I’m finishing Representing Wales as a full-time freelance writer”
– Bethany Handley, 2023 cohort member. Bethany’s poetry pamphlet will be published by Seren in 2025.
“The Representing Wales programme is brilliant and already changing how I see myself as a writer. Being a Welsh learner and being part of the programme is really helping me grow confidence in both my poetry and the idea that I can develop a career as a bilingual writer.”
– Rhiannon Oliver, 2023 cohort member
The successful writers will be assessed and selected by a specialist independent panel. Representing Wales is a bilingual programme, and Literature Wales welcomes applications from writers who write in Welsh and/or English. Sessions will be delivered in both Welsh and English, with simultaneous translation offered where required.
The 2025-26 programme welcomes those practicing in a variety of creative genres including fiction, creative non-fiction, graphic novels, poetry and performance poetry.
Representing Wales is funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales and The Foyle Foundation. It has been developed to improve representation within the literature sector in Wales and to develop the talent and potential of Wales’ writers.
The Impact of Representing Wales
The last four rounds of the programme have seen Literature Wales intensely supporting 54 Wales-based writers to achieve their professional and creative goals. Every round builds on the successes and the feedback of previous years, and consultation work engaging with individuals and organisations within the sector.
Hear more about last year’s writers’ experiences by watching the video below:
You can find out more about the impact of the Representing Wales programme by heading to the Representing Wales Testimonials section on our website.
Leusa Llewelyn, Literature Wales’ Artistic Director says:
“Now in its fifth year, Representing Wales is gaining a great reputation for its alumni’s successes. Former cohort members have gone on to be national laureates, award winners, esteemed published writers and performers. Some have gone on to be respected workshop leaders, others have learnt Welsh, some have gained confidence to apply for and be appointed in dream jobs. Not one writer’s journey on Representing Wales has been the same – but every writer has gained skills and knowledge, has met role models, and has been ambitiously pushed towards their potential. But perhaps most importantly, Representing Wales writers have created a supportive network and a community that will continue far beyond the programme’s parameters.
The programme was designed to break down the barriers that exist for under-represented writers to develop and flourish. Since its inception in 2020 it has steadily transformed the literary scene in Wales into one that is more representative, open, kind and exciting. We cannot wait to see who will join us on the 2025-26 cohort”.
Before applying, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section, which should answer everything you need to know about the programme.
Apply Now
Individuals from under-represented backgrounds who wish to develop their creative writing skills and their professional careers as writers are invited to apply. Applicants must be over the age of 18 and must be resident in Wales at the time of application and throughout the 12-month programme. We also welcome writers applying to develop work through the medium of Welsh who are living outside of Wales.
We regret that the programme is not open for full time students nor employees of Literature Wales and its funders, nor those who have previously been part of the Representing Wales programme.
For further information about the programme, including guidelines, FAQs and how to apply head over to the Representing Wales project page, or contact us: post@literaturewales.org
Deadline for applications: 12.00 pm midday, Thursday 10 October 2024.
Support for Applicants
As part of the application process, writers are asked to submit a sample of their creative work. Video submissions are welcome.
Literature Wales is committed to ensuring that the process of applying is accessible and welcoming. If you would like to chat to a member of staff before applying, please email Literature Wales at post@literaturewales.org or call us for an informal chat on 01766 522 811 (Tŷ Newydd Office) or 029 2047 2266 (Cardiff Office). Or you can reach out to us on social media. We are happy to talk through the programme, and the application process with you, and to discuss whether Representing Wales is the correct programme for you at this stage of your career.
Literature Wales staff will also be available to answer your questions during two informal drop-in sessions between 6.00 pm -7.00 pm on Thursday 29 August and Tuesday 10 September 2024. Click on the dates highlighted to book your free ticket through Eventbrite.