Dreaming of time to write?

“Every writer knows the feeling of squeezing your writing into an impossible space or having to break off from your writing to do the ordinary chores and responsibilities of life. Dedicated time and space is a writer’s dream, no interruptions and no other calls on your attention. That’s when you do your best work.”

Kit de Waal, Honorary Patron, The Bridport Prize

Fully funded writer residencies!
In beautiful Dorset

We have two fully funded writer residencies in Dorset for writers from The Midlands and/or The North West of the UK who identify as:

  • Working class
  • 60+
  • Both

When?

Sunday 22 June 2025 to Friday 27 June 2025. Writers must be available for the whole period.

What do residency writers receive?

  • Two days residency at Dorset Museum, Dorchester PLUS three days residency at Bridport Arts Centre
  • £500 residency fee
  • £150 travel assistance
  • £15 per day expenses
  • Extra assistance expenses available if required
  • Five nights hotel accommodation
  • Opportunity to take part in an event with local writers at Bridport Arts Centre during the residency
  • Feedback on up to 3,000 words of prose fiction from Irene Baldoni, a literary agent at Georgina Capel Associates
  • Free entry to The Bridport Prize international writing competition

Geographical definition

Writers who live, work or study in any of these areas can apply for a residency. The regions below refer to upper tier/combined authorities.

The Midlands, UK

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire

Lincolnshire

Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire

Shropshire and Staffordshire

West Midlands

The North West, UK

Blackburn with Darwen

Blackpool

Cheshire East

Cheshire West and Chester

Cumberland

Greater Manchester

Lancashire

Liverpool City Region

Warrington

Westmorland and Furness

How to apply

Please send us the following:

1000 words of prose fiction
100 words ‘setting the scene’ for the above fiction (if needed)
Up to 200 words explaining How I’d Spend My Residency Time
Up to 100 words about your writing journey to date

Apply here by 28 February 2025 no later than 23:59.

Download a pdf with all the information about the residencies here. Any questions? Please email [email protected]

Key dates for your diary

Shortlisted writers notified 24 March 2025.

Selected writers notified 24 April 2025.

Good luck!

We look forward to reading your words.

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