Ronald Duncan Stipend for Southwest Writing

Exciting Opportunity for Writers

Special Collections is thrilled to launch the annual Ronald Duncan Stipends for Southwest Writing. These Stipends are funded by a donation from the Ronald Duncan Literary Foundation to continue his legacy of experimental and cross-disciplinary writing.

Each year, three talented writers will have the chance to explore our incredible archives to inspire new creative works. We’re looking for innovative minds eager to engage with our collections in fresh and exciting ways, producing original writing and sharing their journey with the public.

While the University of Exeter Special Collections (Exeter & Penryn campuses) will be the core focus, we welcome projects that connect with other heritage organisations, weaving rich narratives across multiple collections.

Each year one of these stipends may be offered in partnership with another organisation and take a specific focus. For 2026 we are partnering with Exeter Northcott Theatre to offer one of the stipends through their script window [now closed]. You can find more about this particular stipend here.

What’s in it for you?

✅ £2,000 stipend to support your time and expenses
✅ Up to £500 for outreach and engagement activities
✅ Specialist guidance from our expert Special Collections team
✅ Access to a vibrant network of university partners & professionals

If you’re passionate about archives, storytelling, and bringing history to life through writing, this is your chance! Your next great story starts here...