Who can apply: UK-based a-n Artist members, Joint (Artist and Arts Organiser), Arts Organiser members with an interest in critical or journalistic arts writing and some existing experience of writing.
What: 3 in-person daytime workshop sessions plus paid commissions for the a-n website, with feedback and editorial support throughout the commissioning process.
When: October 2019 – March 2020.
Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Thursday 12 September 2019.
Overview
Aimed at artists and art organisers who wish to develop their reviewing, critical writing and journalistic skills, the a-n Writer Development Programme will run from October 2019 to March 2020 and include a combination of writing tasks and at least three in-person daytime workshop sessions (October-December 2019).
The programme will culminate with a series of paid commissions for the a-n website, with feedback and editorial support throughout the commissioning process (January-March 2020). Costs of travel to the workshops will be covered and a bursary of £300 to support attendance at workshops is available to successful applicants.
Led by writer and editor Chris Sharratt, this is a programme for those who want to hone their skills of writing for publication. It will explore interviewing, feature writing, reviewing, writing for an audience and working with an editor. Applicants do not need to have been widely published, but you do need to be able to demonstrate a commitment to developing your writing in this area.
The programme is part of a-n’s commitment to professional development provision within a programme that includes bursaries, events, online toolkits and expert guides.
Applications accepted from now and up to 12 noon Thursday 12 September 2019.
For more on previous a-n Writer Development Programmes, read blogs from 2015-16 and 2017-18. For more examples of writing by those selected for previous programmes click here.
How to apply
Applications are submitted via this form
You must be logged in to access the form. Only current Artist, Joint (Artist and Arts Organiser) and Arts Organiser members can apply.
The form is available until 12 noon, Thursday 12 September 2019. Because of the expected volume of applications, we strongly advise against submitting your application one the deadline day.
Please read Further information below before starting your application.
We advise you to first write your application offline and to then transfer your answers to the online form. Upon submitting the form, you will be emailed a final version for your records.
You will be asked for the following:
1. Your contact details.
2. Provide 250 words outlining why you want to take part in the programme and how you believe you will benefit from it.
3. Details and links to three examples of previously published work that best illustrates your writing skills. This can be any combination of the following forms: magazine, newspaper, or website. One of these examples can also be an appropriate blog post.
4. Include an original, unpublished piece of journalistic writing, between 400-500 words in length. This can be a review, interview (not a Q&A) or comment/think piece covering a subject relevant to a-n’s members and readership.
5. Upload your current CV (in pdf format). Max file size 5mb.
6. Complete Equality and Diversity monitoring information (this information is separated, anonymised and does not form part of the selection process).
We regret that we are not able to advise on the content of individual applications.
Further information
1. Who can apply?
Current UK-based a-n Artist, Joint (Artist and Arts Organiser) and Arts Organiser members.
Become an a-n member here.
Alongside applying for the a-n Writer Development Programme, a-n members are also welcome to apply for the a-n Coaching and Mentoring opportunities currently available. However successful applicants will only be offered a place on one of these programmes.
2. What is the selection process?
Applicants will be reviewed against the following criteria:
- The impact the programme will have on the applicant’s practice and continuing professional development.The need for support, is this the right time for the applicant to benefit significantly from the programme.
- Applicants will hear back if their submission has been successful or unsuccessful by 11 October.
3. Why does a-n offer this programme?
a-n member opportunities such as the Writer Development Programme aim to:
- Support members’ practice and ongoing professional development.
- Enable members to self-determine and tailor professional development to their needs.
- Maintain and develop a more diverse, engaged and resilient professional membership.
4. What can’t be supported by this programme?
- Applications from students on an undergraduate course.
- Applications from those without a current a-n membership.
- Applications from members who have already accepted an a-n Artist Bursary 2019, or a place on previous iterations of the Writer Development Programme.
- Any incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline of 12 noon, Thursday 12 September 2019.