Representing Wales: 2027-2028 Writer Development Programme Open for Applications
Starting in April 2027, the programme will support a cohort of 10 writers by offering the following:
- A bursary of £3,000
- A personal mentor
- 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
- A residential weekend masterclass at our Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre
- 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
Closing date for applications: 5.00pm, Thursday 26 November 2026.
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.
The 2027-28 programme welcomes those practicing in a variety of creative genres including fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry and performance poetry.
Representing Wales is part-funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales. 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
Every round builds on the successes and the feedback of previous years, and consultation work engaging with individuals and organisations within the sector. Since 2020, 80 writers have been supported through the programme, and their impact on Wales’ literary landscape is tangible. Whether we are celebrating Rhiannon Oliver’s contribution to children’s poetry through Fresh (Firefly), Jon Doyle’s debut novel Communion (Atlantic) that led him to being named one of the Observer’s Top Debut Novelists of 2026, or Natasha Gauthier winning both the 2025-26 Poetry Wales Award and New Welsh Review’s Borzello Trust Poetry Prize, each writer provides a significant viewpoint that enriches the literature we read.
This November, we celebrate Representing Wales with ‘Treigl’ a special issue of Folding Rock magazine. Free launch events will take place in Bangor and Cardiff, offering a unique opportunity for applicants to meet writers who have participated in the programme, hearing firsthand their experiences and the impact on their writing career. Keep an eye on the Literature Wales events page, as well as Literature Wales’ and Folding Rock’s social media channels, for further details.
You can find out more about the impact of the Representing Wales programme by heading to the section on our website.
Claire Furlong, Literature Wales’ Executive Director says: “Next year, Representing Wales will enter its seventh year. We can alreadysee the programme’s impact, with excitingvoices from the programme found in literary journals, festivals, within communities, and on our bookshelves. This year, our call-out period offers opportunities to hear from and meet some of the writers who have taken part in the programme. We hope their stories demonstrate that Representing Wales is not looking for one particular kind of writer. Rather, it is a space where a wide range of voices can develop, grow, and be heard. I cannot wait to see who will join us in 2027 become part of the movement.”
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 who are living outside of Wales to apply if they are developing work through the medium of Welsh.
We regret that the programme is not open for full-time students nor employees of Literature Wales and its funders, including current or recently retired trustees or governing individuals, nor those who have previously been part of the Representing Wales programme.
As part of the application process, writers are asked to submit a sample of their creative work. Video submissions are welcome.
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
Support for Applicants
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 Wednesday 11 November and Thursday 19 November 2026. Click on the dates highlighted to book your free ticket through the online portal, or request a place by e-mailing post@literaturewales.org, using ‘Representing Wales Drop-in’ as the subject line.