Literature Wales

Literature Wales is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1146560).

Literature Wales is a registered charity whose purpose is to promote arts, heritage and culture, particularly the literature of Wales in all its forms and languages, and to advance education on that subject, for the public benefit in Wales and worldwide. It supports Welsh writers throughout their journey through creative writing courses, bursaries, mentoring and training. Its Inspiring Communities Fund enables local communities to organise, deliver and enjoy literary activities, with funding of up to £2,000 that can support up to 75% of the fees paid to writers for literary events. The annual report gives its annual giving as £19,372.

Priority Areas

Literature Wales supports writers at every stage, from children discovering a love of words and new voices developing to established authors. Through the Inspiring Communities Fund it supports literary events, including talks, lectures and creative-writing workshops, helping communities engage with literature. Applicants include community groups, schools, libraries, festivals and other local organisations; events can be held in community halls, libraries, pubs, schools, youth clubs or online for groups meeting virtually. The fund can cover up to 75% of writers’ fees and travel expenses. It favours high-quality, innovative, inclusive and representative events that fill gaps in provision, promote writers’ development, consider environmental impact and benefit audience well-being. Its wider work combines direct projects, partnerships and grants to bring ideas to life.

Themes

• Literary events

Geographic Focus

Wales; the UK.

Organisations apply using the online application forms.

Deadlines: Submit the application at least two months before the event date.

Who can apply:

• Inspiring Communities Fund: Funding offers are only made to bona fide organisations; individuals cannot apply. Eligible organisations include schools, libraries, pubs, clubs, societies, community centres, arts festivals and other venues located throughout Wales. These organisations will need a dedicated bank account to receive funds.

Applying again: Inspiring Communities Fund: We will aim to give clear written feedback, and will support you to apply again, if eligible.

What the charity says:

• The fund particularly seeks innovative, interesting and high-quality events.
• It values events that reach historically underserved areas or audiences.
• It seeks events that promote writers’ careers and development, with fair pay and travel costs considered.
• It values inclusive and representative events, including respect for and representation of the Welsh language.
• It looks for organisers who have considered an event’s environmental impact.
• It seeks events likely to appeal to a wide audience.
• It values events that positively affect audiences’ health and well-being.
• It likes activity that continues to have a noticeable impact in future.