The Open Doors will explore innovation in the presentation of literature events and reflect on the experience of the global Covid-19 lockdown. Collaborations between writers, scientists and artists will result in new audience experiences on digital platforms and in person. The activity is supported by Arts Council England through the Ambition for Excellence programme.

Funding is available for writers, scientists and artists working in collaboration. There are five distinct projects, four of which are open calls for which we welcome all applications

1. New Ways of Working – £3,000
What has been learnt through lockdown about literature and the audience experience? In a socially distanced world how can festivals break out of the Zoom? We are looking for a literature producer to collaborate with us on a literature experience for our times.

2. The Best of Digital – £3,000
How can we create incredible literature experiences through digitally native projects? Two commissions are available for writers working in collaboration with an artist or practitioner from a different field to create new, digitally native productions.

3. A Room of One’s Own – £500
Three one-week Writer-in-Residence opportunities are available at the National Centre for Writing’s medieval home Dragon Hall, taking place in January, February and March 2021 (can be virtual residencies depending on changing guidelines and need).

4. Weather With You
Commissioned pieces from four writers working across the UK, reflecting on ‘the weather with you’ and how the experience of 2020 has impacted on their work and their perceptions of the role of the writer. More information in 2021.

5. Translating Science
In partnership with the innovation community at Norwich Research Park. A series of structured open commissions will pair writers with scientists to explore the public understanding of life sciences, health and medical research. More information in 2021.

https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/open-doors/