: individual writer

Open to writers from under-represented backgrounds

Artists Support Scheme

Sligo Arts Service Department in partnership with The Arts Council

 

Award: €2,000 + 4 one-to-one mentoring sessions

Closes: 5pm Thursday 23rd October 2025

Paper Application process: arts@sligococo.ie 

Audio Applications: Only via We Transfer

                                               
The Unheard Voice Award aims to offer meaningful support to a writer from an under-represented background who considered themselves as an emerging or mid-career writer (see definitions of emerging & mid-career writers Page 3) and wishes to develop their craft.

This award is specifically for individuals from communities and backgrounds under-represented in Irish writing. This includes, but is not limited to those based on age, civil or family status, disability, gender, membership of the Traveller Community, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or displaced/migrant communities.

The award aligns with The Arts Council’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Implementation Plan, recognising the additional barriers faced by artists from under-represented communities as they strive to advance their careers and strengthen their artistic practice. For this award, writing quality & voice matter more than formal experience.

 

What the Award Provides:

• Bursary of €2,000 to support time and resources for writing and development.
• Four one-to-one mentoring sessions with an established writer.

Applications are welcomed in written or audio format (guidelines attached) to ensure accessibility for all writers.

We welcome applications from writers working in any form of creative writing — including fiction, poetry, theatre, screenwriting, and non-fiction.

This award is not about producing a finished work. Instead, we are looking for writers with potential, originality, and a clear vision of how this opportunity could help them progress in their creative journey.

 

Who Should Apply:

This opportunity is open to:

• Emerging/mid-career writers based in the county of Sligo
• Individuals who identify as belonging to a background or community under-represented in Irish literature.

Download the Information Sheet to check eligibility: Unheard Voice award Information Sheet (PDF) - 143 kbs

Download the Application form:   Unheard Voice - Application form 2025 (DOCx) - 58 kbs