Prototype Publishing announces development programme for writers and artists

Prototype Publishing has announced a development programme for writers and artists, in partnership with New Writing North, as part of the Northern Writers’ Awards.

The Prototype Development Programme will offer extended support and career development to eight emerging writers and artists who have not yet had a book published. According to the publisher, the scheme is being launched in response to the lack of opportunities and mentoring schemes for writers and artists whose work "sits between conventional literary forms".

Funded by Arts Council England, the six-month online programme forms part of a wider project focusing on multidisciplinary and hybrid-genre approaches to writing, including a new prize in partnership with Frieze magazine, which will be announced in the autumn.

Participants will be given learning and personal development opportunities through workshops and feedback sessions, as well as seminars led by curators, writers, publishers, editors and literary agents. There are eight places on the programme, of which three are ring-fenced for applicants from the North of England, and each participant will be paid a bursary of £500.

Applications will open on 13th September and close on 23rd October. Writers based in the North of England should apply via New Writing North, while writers based elsewhere in the UK should apply via Prototype.

Will Mackie, New Writing North senior programme manager for talent development, said: "New Writing North are delighted to partner on this fascinating and timely new programme, which offers valuable long-term support for adventurous artists and writers. Prototype are a great example of how the independent sector is so frequently where artistic and cutting-edge work is nurtured and given space to develop."

Jess Chandler, Prototype founder, added: "We are excited to be launching this new Development Programme, thanks to the support of Arts Council England, and the vital partnership of New Writing North. The programme will offer an extended and focused period of support to emerging writers who might not have the opportunity to access such creative and career development.

"While there are a growing number of opportunities and mentoring schemes for poets and novelists, there is a distinct lack of opportunities for writers and artists whose work sits between conventional literary forms, and this scheme aims to fill that gap."