IWC Mentor/Member Duo Programme 2023

The Irish Writers Centre is delighted to announce the third round of Duo, a One-to-One Mentoring and Membership Combined Programme for writers, resident within the administrative area of Dublin City Council, who are from underrepresented backgrounds in Irish literature. This initiative is made possible with kind financial assistance from Dublin City Council.

In 2022, the Irish Writers Centre launched a new 5 year strategy. In keeping with Goal 2 which is to enhance opportunities for people across all communities to explore and participate in creative writing, we seek to create opportunities for all types and talents, and especially those whose voices may be less heard, to explore and participate in creative writing.

Who is it for?

At the Irish Writers Centre, we seek to enhance opportunities for people across all communities to explore and participate in creative writing.

This scheme is for all writers resident within the administrative area of Dublin City Council who need or want the support of another more experienced writer to help them to start, continue or finish a piece of writing. This programme is especially geared towards writers, new and existing, who are from backgrounds currently underrepresented in Irish literature. We are seeking applications from Black, POC (person of colour), Traveller, Roma, LGBT+, disabled and working class writers, and those who consider themselves to be within the target groups described in the EDI statement on our website.

As a literary institution, the IWC understands the leadership role that it plays in dissolving the structural barriers to access, and with Words Ireland (WI), published a Charter for Inclusion which serves “to encourage a literature sector in Ireland that is truly inclusive, fair, vibrant and progressive”.

While this programme is aimed at writers from backgrounds typically underrepresented in Irish literature, we are open to other writers making a credible case for inclusion.

What will I receive?

Six successful applicants will be offered a one year Irish Writers Centre membership, and one 90 minute mentoring session through our One-to-One Mentoring Programme. The links above will tell you how membership and one-to-one mentoring work.

Have you started writing a novel or a poetry collection, but struggle with the motivation to finish your work, or need some feedback on a short story that you’re struggling to put the right shape on? Our One-to-One Mentoring Programme connects you with a professional writer who will provide feedback on a sample of your work, along with guidance and support to help you develop your writing.

How to apply?

This scheme is for all writers, over the age of 18, and resident within the administrative area of Dublin City Council.

We ask that all applicants apply through our online application form.  The form is really easy to use and if you have never applied to us before, we’d encourage you to do so now.  If you have any difficulties accessing this link or any questions about the programme please contact us on info@writercentre.ie.

Applications will be assessed by an independent judging panel, who will seek to award a diverse range of applicants who have clearly demonstrated how they would benefit from participation on this programme. 

Deadline

Wednesday 8 March 2023 at 5pm (We cannot except late applications)