Writer’s residency in Brussels Passa Porta; Brussels

Overview

We’re seeking UK-based literary translators to join our 2027 Visible Communities programme as residents. The programme aims to diversify access routes to literary translation in the UK, strengthen links between the literary translation community and UK diaspora communities, contribute to the debate around de‑colonising literary translation, and expand the range of literature published in translation.

• UK-based Black, Asian or Ethnically Diverse literary translators, working from any language into English.
• Particular interest in collaborating with translators and writers who translate from or have knowledge of diaspora and heritage language communities within the UK.

Virtual Residency (February–May 2027)

• Pay fee: £3,000 per residency

• Flexible timing; emphasis on research and writing time, final deadline for commission end of May 2027

• Regular online meetings with other suite translators and a mentoring session with an experienced literary translator

• Commissioned work: write a piece for the Visible Communities section of the NCW website and curate a translation‑related Meet the World event during the residency

Cottage Residency (January 2027)

• Dates:
Monday 18 January to Friday 29 January 2027
• Two weeks of time to translate

• Opportunity to meet other writers and translators in Norwich

• Zoom meeting with a mentor for feedback and professional development advice

• Opportunity to produce commissioned content for NCW’s digital platforms

• Accommodation at Dragon Hall cottage – shared with another translator or writer in residence (accessibility requirements can be discussed)

• National Centre for Writing covers travel within the UK to Norwich and provides a stipend of £350 per week

Send a cover letter that includes:

• Why you are interested and what you will bring to the Visible Communities programme
• Areas of interest or issues you propose to explore during the residency and the approach you will take
• Your ideas for a translation‑related Meet the World event
• (For the cottage residency) A description of the manuscript or project you will work on and your expectations from the mentorship

The Final date to receive applications is Monday 21 September 2026.

Applications should be sent to the National Centre for Writing via the provided contact details on the application form.