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.
Ljubljana City of Literature - Writer in the Park 2025
Ljubljana boasts a vibrant art scene and offers an array of diverse literary events, ranging from alternative performances to major international festivals. The highly regarded residency, established in 2018, provides peace and quiet for uninterrupted writing, while also offering opportunities to actively participate in the city’s literary life.
What
Ljubljana, a UNESCO City of Literature since 2015, offers two one-month residencies for writers at the Švicarija/Swisshouse Creative Centre, which is part of the International Centre of Graphic Arts.
When
Each residency lasts one month per applicant. The residency periods are April 1–30, 2025, and November 1–30, 2025. The dates are non-negotiable, but a shorter stay is possible if required due to travel arrangements. Extra nights cannot be covered by the organiser, though organisational assistance can be provided.
Who
The residency is aimed at foreign published writers with direct ties to another UNESCO City of Literature. The applicant must have published at least one book of fiction (be it prose, poetry or drama) in their language.
What we offer
Each resident will get a sum amount of the grant and travel expenses of €1250 gross in total (details regarding potential wire-transfer charges and other expenses can be found in the contract that can be sent to the applicant upon request). Each resident will stay in their own, separate and fully equipped apartment with a kitchenette at Švicarija, possibly along other residents, artists, and exhibitions hosted at the premises.
What we expect
The resident is encouraged to show an interest, and partake, in local literary events and other related activities – which will be coordinated according to other local events as well as the needs and interests of the given resident. However, if the resident so wishes, they may request not to be distracted in order to use the time and space for writing and/or research.
Notes on the application procedure
The application requires a mandatory letter of recommendation, signed by an organisation from your chosen City of Literature. Therefore, a Google account is required for file uploads to work.
This form will collect verified (logged-in) email addresses so we can get in touch with you.
Incomplete applications, those not submitted via this Google Form, or those sent after the deadline will not be considered.
Richard Chappell Dance Interdisciplinary Arts Workshop: Dance and Poetry
Choreographer Richard Chappell and poet Saili Katebe lead a free interdisciplinary workshop for dancers, writers and visual artists on Thursday 30th January at Ashburton Arts Centre.
Suitable for local dancers aged 18+, writers and visual artists who have an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. For local visual artists and writers, we encourage people to bring examples of their work either digitally or in person (if practical) for you to explore with throughout the day.
Should you have any queries about this, please email clare@richardchappelldance.co.uk.
Penguin Cover Design Award
Create a new design system for paperback books, encapsulating the spirit of Penguin’s founding design principles.
All aspiring designers and illustrators in the UK and Ireland are encouraged to enter the Penguin Cover Design Award, regardless of higher education status.
We’re looking for UK and Irish-based designers and illustrators who haven’t yet had significant experience in a paid creative role – that includes anyone aged 18 or over who is yet to break into the creative industry, students from all subjects and recent graduates.
By significant experience, we mean one year or more (cumulatively) in an in-house or freelancer-paid role, as a creative.
Lithuanian Literary Translators’ Residency - Vilnius 2025
Vilnius UNESCO City of Literature, in collaboration with the Lithuanian Culture Institute, invites Lithuanian literary translators living abroad to apply for a 3-4 week residency in Vilnius.
The residency period is available between 1 March and 31 August. Travel expenses will be covered, per diems provided, and suitable living and working conditions ensured. The residency period will be arranged individually with each translator.
Priority will be given to translators with specific translation projects and publishing contracts.
You can submit your application here.
Decisions about the applications will be made by 14 February.
For more detailed information, please contact us via email at kotryna.pranckunaite@lithuanianculture.lt
Word Space - Literature Works
Literature Works’ annual talent development programme, nurturing and connecting emerging writing talent from around the South West region.
Word Space is delivered online, combining mentoring, workshops, regular sessions with industry professionals and an online space to support each other as a group of writers.
An open submissions process runs throughout the months of December and January and the twelve-month programme begins in April.
'I Remember...' - an audiobook remembering Exeter's experiences of COVID-19
You are invited to write a short passage that captures a memory from your experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. This can relate to anything you witnessed or felt during the pandemic. It may be a memory of lockdown, social distancing, illness, bereavement, community responses, or the acts of NHS staff and keyworkers. You might refer to general recollections or one very specific moment.
The passage of text should begin with the words ‘I remember…’ and be no more than 50 words in length. If you refer to someone, only first names should be included. We will not be recording any personal or contact details – participation is entirely anonymous. Contributors should be from the Exeter region. The deadline for submissions is 31 January 2025.
Selected submissions will be included in an online memorial audiobook which will be publicised in March 2025, marking the fifth anniversary of the first lockdown. There is no guarantee that your submission will be included, but we are grateful for any input.
This memorial project is being run by the University of Exeter, in collaboration with a public commemorative event being organised by the Mayoralty. Thank you for your participation. If you have any questions, please contact Professor David Tollerton (email: d.c.tollerton@exeter.ac.uk).
In need of inspiration? Take a look at Scotland’s own memorial project.
Announcing Campfire – Exeter’s New Quarterly Literary Salon
Location: The Refuge, beneath The Mermaid Cocktail Bar, Gandy Street, Exeter
When: Wednesday 12th February 2025 at 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 wmarkbest@gmail.com in advance if you are planning to come along and read so we can gauge the timings.
February Prompt Phrase - “And so to start"
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 wmarkbest@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @campfireexeter
Step into the circle, share your voice, and let your words kindle the conversation.
Exeter Cathedral 'Book of Riddles Community Choir'
Join Exeter Cathedral’s weekly songwriting choir for the chance to co-write songs inspired by the Exeter Book – the oldest book of English literature in the world!
As part of the choir, you will be writing songs for The Book of Riddles, a new musical that tells the story of the creation of the 10th century Exeter Book and explores the meaning of art and community in a time of crisis. Led by Jack Dean & Company, the choir will meet weekly at Exeter Cathedral to write and rehearse the songs in the lead up to a work-in-progress performance to share the work you have created.
The Book of Riddles Community Choir is open to people aged 18+. There will be no auditions and all singing abilities welcome to this fun and inclusive choir.
Fully Funded Writing Course Place -
'Raw Writing Psychology of Writing'
This six-week course addresses and helps you to overcome imposter syndrome and that critical inner voice. It will stop you from comparing yourself with other writers. I’m going to get you to a place where all your brain space and energy goes into your writing, not having to manage the obstacles and barriers that eat into your writing time. I’ve worked a lot on overcoming these challenges, and want to share with you how I did it. If I hadn’t, I doubt I’d have got a two-book deal with Hachette, and become a published author!
Course Dates: March 7th, March 14th, March 21st, March 28th, April 4th, April 11th | Fridays 2pm - 3:30pm
To Apply: applicants should email carla@rawwriting.co.uk with an expression of interest, highlighting why a fully funded place on this writing course would benefit their writing before the deadline of Friday 21st February.
Exeter Writers - Short Story Competition 2025
The competition is open to all writers of any ability, published or otherwise, from anywhere in the world. However, members of Exeter Writers may not enter.
We accept stories of any genre (except children's stories).
Maximum word count is 3000. There is no minimum word count.
The full timetable for this year's competition is as follows:
1st December 2024: competition opens
28th February 2025: competition closes
2nd May 2025: longlist is announced
19th May 2025: shortlist is announced
6th June 2025: winners are announced
City Slam 2025
Performer Call Out
Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Spork! Poetry and Taking the Mic are joining forces once again to present the 3rd annual City Slam; an exciting competition to find the best spoken-word artist in Exeter (and across Devon).
The winner of the City Slam will be entered into 2025’s Slamovision; an international slam competition featuring poets from UNESCO Cities of Literature all across the world, as well as receiving a cash prize of £150. Runners up will also receive some exciting prizes provided by local businesses in Exeter.
Sign up to Slam!
To enter the slam, you need to register an interest by 5PM on Fri 14th March. The 12 Slammers will be picked out of a hat at midday on the 16th. To register, just send an email to Tim on slam@speakinsong.co.uk with your name, age, and where you’re based. Slammers must be aged 16+ and based in Devon.
The Rules
After registering, you’ll receive a full list of rules. But, in short, all slammers must prepare 3 poems / pieces for the 3 rounds. These pieces must not exceed 3 mins in length, and slammers may get penalised for going over (this includes any introductions.) The performances will be scored by a panel of judges, who will mark on writing, delivery, and the audience response. For any questions about the competition, email Chris on sporkpoetry@gmail.com
The Tom Grass Spirit of Adventure Literary Prize
The Tom Grass Spirit of Adventure Literary Prize is a writing prize dedicated to celebrating the spirit of Tom Grass, a multi-talented writer, avid reader, and fearless traveller.
The prize is for a short piece of stand-alone prose in either Fiction or Non-Fiction (1,500 - 3,000 words). It can be adapted from a longer work but must be satisfying to read by itself. The prize invites writers from all walks of life, whether writing a short story, essay, memoir, piece of reportage, historical investigation, or other hybrid form, as long as the writer reflects the sensibility of the prize. The prize is not aimed at the action-adventure genre nor limited to the idea of physical adventure. We invite writers to grapple with the spirit of adventure in any way they interpret. Pieces will be read and judged on their literary merit and their engagement with the general reader.
Key dates:
• Submissions open: 1st October 2024
• Submissions close: 31st March 2025
• Shortlist announced: 15th May 2025
• Prize giving reception in London: 4th June 2025
The Prize is a not-for-profit foundation, created and run by friends and family of Tom Grass.
Open to emerging writers over the age of 25, the Prize celebrates creative storytelling with a focus on the spirit of adventure. Through readings and an annual award ceremony in London, we will come together to celebrate life’s bold journeys and the stories they inspire.
