Nick Hern Books receives latest grant from Mo Siewcharran Fund for 2025

The Mo Siewcharran Fund has announced its latest four grant awards including for Nick Hern Books.

In its sixth year, the Mo Siewcharran Fund continues to support a breadth of creative organisations in its mission to enable people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds to break into publishing, theatre and music.

The fund was set up in memory of Nielsen Books’ former director of marketing and communications, Mo Siewcharran, by her husband, John Seaton; Siewcharran was passionate about improving accessibility and representation in publishing and theatre. The fund is administered by Creative Access—a social enterprise specialising in diversity and inclusion.  

Nick Hern Books is a specialist theatre publisher and performing rights agent with over 1,500 plays and theatre books in its catalogue.

Matt Applewhite, managing director, commented: "We are proud and grateful to receive the support of the Mo Siewcharran Fund, and the brilliant Creative Access, to launch an internship scheme at Nick Hern Books. As a publisher of plays and books about theatre, it is particularly fitting and humbling, given Mo’s passion for both theatre and books.

"We are committed to publishing work that represents the wonderful diversity of the UK—and equally passionate about breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups working in the creative industries. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our first intern in the new year, and excited about the contribution they’ll make as a valued member of our team."

The grants will also go to immersive theatre company Punchdrunk Enrichment, as well as national poetry charity Forward Arts Foundation and arts charity Soft Touch Arts. 

Seaton said: "With this round a happy milestone is passed. Since starting in 2018 the Mo Siewcharran Fund has supported over 50 interns. And it is not stopping here. To add to all the previous wonderful participating companies, it is a delight to welcome these four new ones covering, so stylishly as they do, such a broad area of the Arts: theatre, music, theatre publishing and poetry. Bravo to them; my thanks, as ever, to Creative Access for making it all happen."

The fund is once again open for other theatre, publishing or music organisations wishing to support internships for those from under-represented communities. 

The deadline for next applications is midday 6th June 2025. Those interested in applying should contact recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk