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 – Sligo Arts Service will match the successful recipient with an established writer whose experience aligns with the applicant’s needs and goals.
Applications are welcomed in written or audio format (guidelines will be provided) 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.
Definitions of Emerging & Mid-career Writers:
Emerging Writer:
- Has begun to develop their professional writing practice but has limited publication or
production experience. - Has demonstrated commitment to writing through completed work, participation in workshops,
courses, or readings. - May have some publications (e.g. in journals, anthologies, online platforms) but no full-length
book yet published with a recognised publisher. - Is not yet earning a significant portion of their income from writing.
- Is at an early stage of developing their craft, building networks, and seeking professional guidance or mentorship.
Mid-career Writer:
- Has established a publishing or production record and is working to consolidate or extend their career.
- Has at least one full-length work (novel, short story collection, poetry collection, or equivalent)
published or under contract with a recognised, independent publisher. - Demonstrates an ongoing writing practice and engagement with the literary community.
- May have received previous supports (residencies, bursaries, mentoring) and is now seeking to
develop their audience, sustainability, or craft at a deeper level. - Often in transition between “emerging” and “established,” focusing on advancing their career.
Assessment Criteria:
- Writers who can articulate how the award would benefit their development and help them take
the next step in their creative practice. - Writers deemed to have potential, originality, and a clear sense of how this opportunity could help them.
1. Alignment with Award Purpose (25)
- Relevance of Background: Demonstrates that the applicant identifies with a community under-represented in Irish writing (including, but not limited to, age, civil/family status, disability, gender, Traveller Community, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, displaced/migrant communities).
- Stage of Career: Shows that the applicant is at an emerging/mid stage of their writing journey and would benefit from mentored support.
- Contribution to Diversity in Irish Literature: illustrates potential to bring a unique or underrepresented perspective to Irish writing.
2. Writing Potential and Originality (30)
- Creativity and Voice: demonstrates originality, distinctive voice and creative ambition.
- Craftsmanship: shows evidence of skill in literary structure, language, style and clarity (appropriate to writing form — fiction, poetry, theatre, screenwriting, or non-fiction).
- Potential for Development: indicates that the applicant’s writing shows promise and could significantly benefit from mentorship and bursary support.
3. Clarity and Realism of Development Goals (20)
- Understanding of Opportunity: clearly articulates how the award (mentorship + bursary) will support their writing journey.
4. Quality of Application (15)
- Personal Statement: Clear, coherent, and engaging; communicates background, motivations, and aspirations effectively.
- Writing Sample: Well-prepared, within guidelines (up to 10 pages), and reflective of potential.
5. Overall Impact and Potential Contribution to Irish Writing (10)
- Unique Perspective: Contribution to increasing diversity and inclusivity in Irish literature.
- Long-Term Potential: Likely positive impact on applicant’s creative journey and the broader
literary landscape