Creative Opportunities
Through our UNESCO Cities of Literature Network, we’re able to offer writers, poets, graphic novelists, authors, & other creatives in Devon meaningful creative opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally.
If you are going to apply for any of these activities, please do contact us first to discuss your application so that we can support you as much as possible!
Writers’ Mailing list
We share these opportunities with our Writer’s Mailing List before they’re published to the website. We’ll also let you know about any other commissions and opportunities that we can’t share here.
Exeter City of Literature Bursary (Ages 17–25)
Beaford Arts & The Devonshire Association
Create something inspired by Devon’s landscape, literature & heritage.
Beaford Arts are offering one young artist £750 to respond to the Beaford Archive and the Exeter City of Literature map, in partnership with The Devonshire Association. Your work will be showcased in a digital exhibition this November!
Writers, photographers, filmmakers, curators – we want to hear from you.
Announcing Campfire – Exeter’s New Quarterly Literary Salon
Location: The Refugee, below The Mermaid, Gandy Street, Exeter
When: Wednesday 13th August, from 7pm
Exeter’s newest quarterly literary salon, a welcoming space for writers and storytellers of all backgrounds and styles. Set in the intimate surroundings of The Refuge, located beneath The Mermaid cocktail bar on Gandy Street, Campfire offers a cozy environment where creativity can flourish and stories can come to life.
Each edition of Campfire centers around a prompt phrase, inspiring submissions of fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, or plays. The prompt can be taken literally or more of a jumping off point, it's all up to you. Writers are encouraged to submit works that can be read aloud within 10 minutes, allowing for a dynamic evening of storytelling and shared ideas.
At Campfire, we gather to listen, reflect, and engage in the timeless tradition of storytelling, celebrating the power of words to connect us all. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone finding your creative voice, this is your chance to contribute and be heard.
Submission Guidelines: Work must be inspired by the quarterly prompt phrase, with fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, or plays up to 10 minutes long when read aloud. Please email campfireexeter@gmail.com in advance if you are planning to come along and read so we can gauge the timings.
August Prompt Phrase - “The great and glorious flora and fauna of this nation.”
Come share your story at Campfire—where the flicker of words and ideas will light up the room. For submissions or more information, contact us at campfireexeter@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @campfireexeter
Step into the circle, share your voice, and let your words kindle the conversation.
Call for Applications: Vilnius Literary Residency 2025
Vilnius UNESCO City of Literature is pleased to announce a call for applications for its creative residency program, scheduled for December 1–31, 2025.
This one month residency is offered to writers, illustrators, and literary translators seeking a dedicated period for creative work. The program is hosted in the heart of Užupis, the iconic arts district of Vilnius, providing a unique and inspiring environment for creators.
Program Provisions:
The residency program includes:
Full coverage of round-trip travel expenses to and from Vilnius.
Private accommodation for the one month period in a studio apartment at the Užupis Arts Incubator.
A scholarship of 500 EUR.
Residents will be invited to connect with the local community through an organised public event.
Location:
The residency is situated on the shore of the Vilnia River, adjacent to the Vilnius Old Town. Please be advised that the two-story studio is accessed via a steep staircase, which may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must be writers, illustrators, or literary translators from the Lithuanian language. They must either be from a designated UNESCO City of Literature or be able to demonstrate a strong connection to one.
Application Procedure:
To apply, please submit to info@vilniusliterature.lt a single PDF document containing:
A short motivational letter.
A professional biography.
A bibliography of your work.
Prague UNESCO City of Literature
Residency for Writers & Translators
Do you have a breathtaking project you would like to work on during your residency in Prague? Prague City of Literature offers an opportunity to writers and translators to live and work in the beautiful city centre where historical architecture meets modern and vibrant city life.
This call goes for eight two-month residencies in 2026 which will be held in:
January–February
March–April
May–June
July–August
September–October
November–December
Required documents:
optional: Extract from a published text (in Czech or in English) or sample of a translated text from or into Czech; max 2 pages
Selection criteria:
Basic knowledge of the English language
At least one published literary work (not self-published) or two broadcast or published radio dramas or one carried out or published theater play or at least one translated work of a Czech author
Willingness to participate in the local literary life (author readings, meeting students, talks, activities arranged by the receiving institution or connected to the cultural events of the city)
Working on the writings during the stay
Cultural interest for the location
The author who has already received the scholarship once cannot apply again
The Resident undertakes that in the course of the residential stay or no later than within 2 months from its termination, he/she will provide the Municipal Library in Prague with the text inspired by the stay that the Municipal Library in Prague, through the project "Prague City of Literature", will be authorized to use to promote the Prague's residential stays. The Municipal Library in Prague will enter into a license agreement with the Resident for the purpose of using the text in electronic as well as printed version.
Service provided:
The accommodation and travel expenses are covered by Prague City of Literature; the residents will also receive a scholarship of CZK 15,000 (approx. €600 per month).
If you have any questions, please contact us at prague@cityofliterature.cz.
General terms and conditions and FAQ can be found here.
Virtual Writer In Residence
Melbourne City of Literature
To all writers from our sister UNESCO Cities of Literature – we are inviting you to put yourself forward to be one of our virtual writers in residence in November this year.
From poets to playwrights, this is an opportunity to get to know Melbourne’s vibrant and varied literary community up close by spending November working with one of the many organisations that make them a City of Literature.
Below is the list of hosts that we have and the simple point of inspiration they are looking for!
Blak & Bright seeks a First Nations writer to connect our stories and lands with theirs
Geelong Regional Libraries is looking for an emerging writer to help us diversify our offering to our community through a range of opportunities for collaboration, connection and engagement.
Going Down Swinging is looking for a writer of experimental, hybrid or emerging forms of storytelling who can share their creative process with its community and inspire them to find joy in their own creative risks and experiments.
Melbourne Writers' Theatre is looking for an experienced playwright to share their knowledge and their culture with our community of enthusiastic playwrights.
Myli-My Community Library is looking for an engaging, passionate writer who is highly enthusiastic about working across a variety of age groups and genres to inspire and support creativity through writing.
Signal is looking for a writer connected to young people aged 14 to 25 years keen to inspire the next generation
Society of Women Writers Victoria is looking for a woman writer to encourage our members in writing short form genres to tell women's stories, historical or contemporary.
Sticky Institute is looking for a writer interested in working with our local zine community to transform their ideas into a narrative zine.
Story Studios Australia is looking for a writer who is generous in outlining their process, community-minded, and excited by the possibilities of online connection.
Writers Victoria is seeking a writer keen to engage with our diverse community of writers and help them share their stories with the broader public.
This content can be any three of the following (or three of just one of the following)
a workshop
a written piece
an appearance/ panel
a social media takeover
The residency will also include opportunities for meetings with all the writers in residence and facilitated further connections with Melbourne as a City of Literature. As one of our virtual writers in residence you will be paid $1500(AUD) and you will retain all copyright for your work.
To be eligible you need to be a writer and resident presently in one of the UNESCO Cities of Literature.
APPLICATIONS
Follow this link to express your interest in being a virtual writer in residence.
You will be asked to nominate your choice of organisation and what you would love to do for and with them! You will also have the opportunity to propose a second organisation.
They are looking to be excited and inspired by your thoughts and the possibility of connecting with you!
We invite you to explore all of our hosts online but if you have any specific questions to ask the Melbourne City of Literature Office please do not hesitate cityofliterature@wheelercentre.com
Granada UNESCO City of Literature
International Writers in Residence 2025
Granada UNESCO City of Literature, a programme under the Department of Culture of the Granada City Council, in collaboration with the University of Granada announces a new edition of its International Writers in Residence Programme in Granada.
The Granada International Writers in Residence Programme is open to writers and literary translators residing in any country and writing in any language.
What you get:
A 30-night stay in Granada for two writers, from November 3 to December 2, 2025 (inclusive), at the Corrala de Santiago, a guest residence of the University of Granada.
Granada UNESCO City of Literature will cover travel expenses for each selected writer. The University of Granada will provide full board accommodation in a private room at the Corrala de Santiago.
Both institutions will offer the resident writers opportunities to engage with the literary life of Granada, including meetings with local writers and participation in workshops and educational activities.
What We Request: Resident writers are expected to actively participate in the literary and cultural activities proposed by the programme. Residents must commit to focusing on their literary project during their stay. They may not engage in other public activities with external institutions or in other cities without prior approval from the programme coordinators. They are also expected to publicly share and promote their residency experience in Granada (e.g., on social media).
Selection Criteria:
At least two published books (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc.); self-published works are not eligible.
Fill out and send the form at this link to Jesús Ortega (granada@granadaciudaddeliteratura.com)
Upper-intermediate level of English or Spanish.
A summary of the literary project to be developed during the residency.
Additional materials (optional but appreciated):
Knowledge of Spanish.
Cultural and historical interest in the city of Granada.
An excerpt (1,500–3,000 words) from one of the applicant’s published works, translated into Spanish or English.
Letter(s) of recommendation.
The selection committee will be composed of experts appointed by Granada UNESCO City of Literature Office and the University of Granada.
Application and deadlines: Completed applications must be submitted electronically by August 31, 2025, to Jesús Ortega (granada@granadaciudaddeliteratura.com)
Selected writers will be announced on September 30, 2025, on the Granada City of Literature website.
Visible Communities Residencies 2026
The National Centre for Writing in Norwich City of Literature is seeking three UK-based literary translators to join our 2026 Visible Communities programme as residents.
The National Centre for Writing is seeking three UK-based literary translators to join our 2026 Visible Communities programme as virtual residents. In addition, we are offering two short in-person residencies in Norwich as part of the same programme.
Residencies are open to UK-based literary translators who are Black, Asian, or from other Ethnically Diverse backgrounds, working from any language into English.
We particularly welcome applications from translators and writers who translate from, or have knowledge of, diaspora and heritage language communities within the UK.
Heidelberg Writer in Residence Programme 2026
After having had Pippa Goldschmid (Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature) in 2018, Judith Rossell (Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature) in 2020/2022 and Anton Kurnia (Jakarta UNESCO City of Literature) in 2024, Heidelberg are looking forward to their 4th writer in residence in 2025.
Writers from Cities of Literature across the globe (including Exeter and Devon writers) are invited to apply to this three month scholarship for a writer (or writer-artist duo) to take part in a residency at the ‘Commandant’s House Dilsberg’ at Dilsberg Fortress.
Since 1996 the "Commandant’s House Dilsberg" has been a center for the promotion of art and culture: exhibitions, chamber music concerts, open-air concerts, readings, symposia and discussion rounds enrich the cultural life of the region. Here, art, music, and literature grant holders find a creative work sphere.
The residency period for up to 2 artists (a writer and a fellow-artist) is from 13th April until 13th July 2026.
Benefits - Total value max. € 3,750 per person
Subsistence allowance of € 1,350 per person (€ 15 per day)
Monthly allowance/pocket money of € 750 per person
Additional Benefits
Travel allowance (international flights, economy class) of up to € 1,000
Public transportation ticket for the Rhine-Neckar public transport network (VRN) limited to the duration of the stay
Application Requirements
Registered residence in a UNESCO City of Literature
Publication of at least one book (prose, essay, narration, poetry, etc.) by an official/independent publisher
Good to very good knowledge of German and/or English language
Willingness to participate in local literary life (Dilsberg or Heidelberg) e.g. talks with protagonist of the regional literary scene arranged by the grant donors
Exeter Novel Prize 2025
Word Kitchen are delighted to announce that the Exeter Novel Prize has a new home with Word Kitchen. The competition is open from JULY 1ST ‘25 to January 1st, 2026.
This prestigious prize welcomes entries in English from all over the world, and is open to all authors who are without representation by a literary agent at the closing date, whether or not they have previously been published.
Hellie Ogden, head of the book dept at WME Agency's London office, will choose the short list and winner for the competition.
First prize - £1000
Five finalists receive £100
By submitting the first 10,000 words of your novel, along with a synopsis, you are in with a chance of not only winning a prestigious prize, but also - by daring to put your work out there in the world - getting your name and work noticed.
Read the rules below carefully, then send us is those first ten thousand words, including a brief synopsis, of a novel that has not been accepted for publication by a traditional publishing house.
The fee for entry is £20, and for entry plus an appraisal report it is £150.
