Creative Opportunities
Through our UNESCO Cities of Literature Network, we’re able to offer writers, poets, graphic novelists, authors, & other creatives in Devon meaningful creative opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally.
If you are going to apply for any of these activities, please do contact us first to discuss your application so that we can support you as much as possible!
Writers’ Mailing list
We share these opportunities with our Writer’s Mailing List before they’re published to the website. We’ll also let you know about any other commissions and opportunities that we can’t share here.
Exeter Northcott & Exeter Phoenix
Scratch Night
Got an idea that needs a platform?
Exeter Northcott are teaming up with Exeter Phoenix for the first time to offer South-West artists in need of an audience a chance to stretch their ideas and the opportunity to test their work in the Exeter Phoenix Auditorium, along with £150 to help develop their idea and a small amount of rehearsal space before the Scratch Night.
Scratch Night will take place at 7:30 on Mon 13 Oct, during Elevate Festival 2025.
Heidelberg Writer in Residence Programme 2026
After having had Pippa Goldschmid (Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature) in 2018, Judith Rossell (Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature) in 2020/2022 and Anton Kurnia (Jakarta UNESCO City of Literature) in 2024, Heidelberg are looking forward to their 4th writer in residence in 2025.
Writers from Cities of Literature across the globe (including Exeter and Devon writers) are invited to apply to this three month scholarship for a writer (or writer-artist duo) to take part in a residency at the ‘Commandant’s House Dilsberg’ at Dilsberg Fortress.
Since 1996 the "Commandant’s House Dilsberg" has been a center for the promotion of art and culture: exhibitions, chamber music concerts, open-air concerts, readings, symposia and discussion rounds enrich the cultural life of the region. Here, art, music, and literature grant holders find a creative work sphere.
The residency period for up to 2 artists (a writer and a fellow-artist) is from 13th April until 13th July 2026.
Benefits - Total value max. € 3,750 per person
Subsistence allowance of € 1,350 per person (€ 15 per day)
Monthly allowance/pocket money of € 750 per person
Additional Benefits
Travel allowance (international flights, economy class) of up to € 1,000
Public transportation ticket for the Rhine-Neckar public transport network (VRN) limited to the duration of the stay
Application Requirements
Registered residence in a UNESCO City of Literature
Publication of at least one book (prose, essay, narration, poetry, etc.) by an official/independent publisher
Good to very good knowledge of German and/or English language
Willingness to participate in local literary life (Dilsberg or Heidelberg) e.g. talks with protagonist of the regional literary scene arranged by the grant donors
Taif Writer’s Retreat 2025
The Taif Writing Retreat in Saudi Arabia is a key initiative within the Literary Communication Enhancement Program, organised by the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission. This retreat is dedicated to novelists and aims to create a supportive literary environment for writers from around the world, providing them with a dedicated space to concentrate on their creative endeavours.
With its tranquil nature and enchanting beauty, Taif provides writers with the space they need to immerse themselves in their novel projects, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Scheduled to take place from November 28 to December 4, 2025, in the culturally rich and serene city of Taif, the retreat will focus specifically on novel writing. It will host a select group of 7 to 10 writers from various regions; each paired with a literary mentor.
All hotel accommodations and meals are included
Detailed Agenda will be shared with participants
Round-Trip tickets are provided
Language: English
Participants:
We are targeting 7–10 novelists from the Creative Cities of Literature network, including Exeter.
Requirements:
At least one published literary work
Must be actively working on a novel project during the retreat
Writing must align with the year’s theme of ‘novel’
Must not have participated in the programme before
Fulfilment of organisational requirements
Pre-Registration is required
Kindly register via this link: Registration by 30 September 2025.
Important Dates & Details:
Application Deadline: 30 September 2025
Participants Announced: approx. 5 November 2025
Duration: 7 days
Retreat Dates: 28 November – 5 December 2025
For any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us at: taifcityuccn@gmail.com
The programme includes dedicated writing time, workshops, discussion circles, and cultural tours to explore Taif’s heritage and draw inspiration from it, while exchanging literary experiences among participants.
Spork! - The Absolute Melt Edition #2
Join us for an evening of poetry, spoken-word & sweet treats at Chococo on Gandy Street. Just like a regular Spork! but more chilled, and much more chocolatey. 2 incredible featured artists (Kane John Mills & Muneera Pilgrim,) a mini open mic, and (of course) delicious hot chocolates, soft drinks and other refreshments available from the café. All hosted by Chris White.
Want to Compete in the Open Mic?
Open Mic Tickets are £3. There will be a maximum of 7 open mic performers. Limited spaces available. First come, first served. Open Micers have a maximum of 4 mins or 1 poem each. For any questions about taking part, give us an email on sporkpoetry@gmail.com.
Location: Chococo Exeter, Gandy Street
When: Friday 31st October, 7pm - 9pm
Spork! - The Dead Poets Slam
Location: Studio 1, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street
When: Friday 31st October, 7pm - 9pm
Ever wanted to see Bukowski, Byron, Plath & Poe going head to head and toe to toe?
Well now’s your chance! Six famous poets will rise from the dead, brought to life by six contemporary artists for one night only! They’ll battle it out in a chance to win everlasting life, plus a cash prize of £100.
Using a mixture of their own poetry, the work of their alias, and some stuff they make up on the night. Expect punches, pithy remarks and pure fire, in the ultimate graveyard smash.
Want to take part?
To apply, and for the full list of rules, email Spork! on sporkpoetry@gmail.com.
Deadline Mon 13 Oct. Just let us know:
Where you’re based
Who you’d like to play, and why
A couple of sentences about yourself & any previous experience
Campfire – Exeter’s Quarterly Literary Salon
Location: The Refugee, below The Mermaid, Gandy Street, Exeter
When: Wednesday 12th November, 7pm - 10pm
Exeter’s newest quarterly literary salon, a welcoming space for writers and storytellers of all backgrounds and styles. Set in the intimate surroundings of The Refuge, located beneath The Mermaid cocktail bar on Gandy Street, Campfire offers a cozy environment where creativity can flourish and stories can come to life.
Each edition of Campfire centers around a prompt phrase, inspiring submissions of fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, or plays. The prompt can be taken literally or more of a jumping off point, it's all up to you. Writers are encouraged to submit works that can be read aloud within 10 minutes, allowing for a dynamic evening of storytelling and shared ideas.
At Campfire, we gather to listen, reflect, and engage in the timeless tradition of storytelling, celebrating the power of words to connect us all. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone finding your creative voice, this is your chance to contribute and be heard.
Submission Guidelines: Work must be inspired by the quarterly prompt phrase, with fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, or plays up to 10 minutes long when read aloud. Please email campfireexeter@gmail.com in advance if you are planning to come along and read so we can gauge the timings.
November Prompt Phrase - “1 plus 1 does not equal 2”
Come share your story at Campfire—where the flicker of words and ideas will light up the room. For submissions or more information, contact us at campfireexeter@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @campfireexeter
Step into the circle, share your voice, and let your words kindle the conversation.
Exeter Novel Prize 2025
Word Kitchen are delighted to announce that the Exeter Novel Prize has a new home with Word Kitchen. The competition is open from JULY 1ST ‘25 to January 1st, 2026.
This prestigious prize welcomes entries in English from all over the world, and is open to all authors who are without representation by a literary agent at the closing date, whether or not they have previously been published.
Hellie Ogden, head of the book dept at WME Agency's London office, will choose the short list and winner for the competition.
First prize - £1000
Five finalists receive £100
By submitting the first 10,000 words of your novel, along with a synopsis, you are in with a chance of not only winning a prestigious prize, but also - by daring to put your work out there in the world - getting your name and work noticed.
Read the rules below carefully, then send us is those first ten thousand words, including a brief synopsis, of a novel that has not been accepted for publication by a traditional publishing house.
The fee for entry is £20, and for entry plus an appraisal report it is £150.
