Suffolk Libraries and the National Centre of Writing are looking for emerging poets to take part in an intensive residency to develop their craft, connect with other writers, and engage with a supportive community. Application deadline: 17/02/2025 Hours per week: 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (including some evenings) Location: Ipswich Image of local artist EL-Emcee, photographed by Luey Northern. Are you an emerging writer looking to develop your craft, connect with other writers, and engage with a supportive community? Suffolk Libraries is excited to announce a week-long artist development residency designed specifically for emerging poetry and spoken word writers. This unique opportunity offers a dedicated space in one of Ipswich’s most cherished buildings to write, experiment and grow your voice. Over the course of the week, you'll have access to an inspiring environment in which to focus on your writing. You'll also be invited to take part in talks and workshops with established poets and publishers, collaborate with fellow writers, engage with the public, and take part in an open rehearsal style public sharing event, offering an opportunity to share your work with a wider audience. Download the application pack What the residency includes Dedicated writing space: A private workspace within Ipswich County Library, with access to library resources and communities. Inspiring speakers: Talks and Q&A sessions with experienced poets and literary professionals. Peer review sessions: Benefit from working with fellow peers and emerging writers to share learning. Workshops & collaborative activities: Participate in group workshops and collaborative writing sessions with fellow poets, exploring new techniques and approaches. A ‘rough cut’ public reading: An opportunity to share your work with a reading at the library, alongside your residency peers. Artist fee: £500 (£100 per day) Travel & lunch: In addition to your artist fee, a simple lunch will be provided each day, and we will also cover your travel costs to and from Ipswich County Library. Additional benefits: An ongoing relationship with the National Centre for Writing with access to opportunities via their Writing Hub Who should apply We are looking for emerging writers aged 18 – 30 who are passionate about poetry, have been practicing for at least one year and are serious about developing their professional career in writing. We welcome applications from writers who are: Aged 18 – 30. Available from 17 - 21 March 2025, including some evenings. Have between 4 – 5 pieces of work they plan to finesse and finalise during the week. Are genuinely committed to building a sustainable creative writing practice. Have at least two pieces of published work and are yet to publish a full-length collection. Value collaboration and sharing their work in a public setting. Are eager to experiment with their poetic voice and explore new forms. Are eager to read aloud and perform their poetry to an audience. Living in Suffolk or have strong connections to the county. How to apply To apply, please complete this online application form. As part of your application, you will need to submit the following: A biography (150 words max) An expression of interest statement (300 words max) A short statement from a ‘nominator’ - someone who can endorse your application (150 words max) Examples of your work. If you have any problems accessing or filling in this form, email: artssuffolklibraries.co.uk