Call Out To Writers: we're looking for someone to celebrate with us

As a UNESCO City of Literature, we’re dedicated to building a better world with words. Our permanent designation as a UNESCO Creative City enables us to use the power of words to transform lives and create opportunities. We were awarded the UNESCO designation back in 2015, as a result of eighteen months of hard work building our submission.

Our vision as a UNESCO City of Literature is for a city where everyone is reading and writing their way to a better life. We believe in the power of literature as a reflection of humanity and a way for everyone to better understand each other and the world we live in.

• We use the UNESCO accreditation to enable young people to discover the sheer creative joy and life-changing power of reading and writing.
• We promote Nottingham’s amazing and radical literary heritage — it has shaped who we are today.
• We commission new work and create new partnerships with schools, libraries, young people and communities to create a place of exchange and celebration for writing and reading.
• We grow opportunities for international collaboration and exchange for the benefit of Nottingham writers and creative communities.

The designation has allowed us to encourage so much creativity and civic pride in our city, and we have facilitated countless literary events and produced several acclaimed publications, including the MyVoice Speak Up! anthology, Eastwood Comics project and launched flagship programmes: Young City of Literature and Big City Reads.

Your Article:

We’d really like you to write a piece of text (prose, creative non-fiction, or an essay) on ‘A Vision for the New Central Library’. We’re looking for creative, ambitious responses to this theme; forward-looking, hopeful writing to inspire the people of Nottingham, during these uncertain times.

The Details:

Successful applicants will be required to submit their full article to us by Friday 4th December 2020. In return, you will receive a £200 commission fee, and your work will be published on the Nottingham City of Literature website in the run up to our fifth birthday celebrations on Friday 11th December 2020. It will also feature in the Central Library ‘bid book’ and presentation.

How do I apply?

Send us an expression of interest including the following:

• An (approximately) two-hundred-word summary of your proposed article
• A short covering letter letting us know your name, contact details & your connection to Nottingham.

The deadline for these expressions of interest is Friday 20th November 2020 at 5pm (UK Time). Please send your completed expression of interest to leanne@nottmcityoflit.org