Call for Applications: Writer in Residence – Blooming Bloomsbury and the Modernist Archives Publishing Project -Creativity and Community Co-Curation (2026)
The University of Reading is seeking to appoint a Writer in Residence to respond to The Modernist Archives Publishing Project (MAPP) and the archives of Leonard and Virginia Woolf’s Hogarth Press (1917-46), in preparation for a forthcoming major exhibition which will celebrate the University’s holdings relating to The Bloomsbury Group (Feb-May 2027).
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Author
- dannicorfield
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Published Date
- April 27, 2026
The selected writer will spend the summer months (June—September 2026) drawing inspiration from MAPP to develop new creative work. From September to December, they will build on this research to support community and youth engagement, leading monthly workshops with our Youth Panel. The Writer in Residence will work with young people aged 14-18 to explore and connect with the publishing stories and materials in MAPP in imaginative and accessible ways, encouraging fresh perspectives and new interpretations. These interpretations may engage with themes including, but not limited to:
- Class
- Colonialism
- Gender, feminism and women’s authorship
- LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences
- Mental health and creativity
- Modernism, publishing, and literary experimentation
- Networks of writers and artistic collaboration
- Print culture, letterpress, materiality, and book-making
- Rural and country lives
- Relationships between art, literature and landscape
- Social Inclusion and justice
This Writer in Residence has been made possible by the University of Reading’s Impact Accelerator Account, funded by the AHRC.
We will support the artist by:
- Supporting the artist in building a connection with MAPP, its international partners, and the School of English Literature at the University of Reading.
- Promoting the residency and associated outputs.
- Assisting with the coordination of the related workshops.
The artist will need to take responsibility for the overall project management of the project.
Timescale:
- 18 May 2026 – Deadline for applicants.
- Week commencing 1 June 2026 – Interview date.
- Writer in Residence: June – September (inclusive. Start date to be discussed with successful applicant).
- September—December 2026 – Workshops at The University of Reading with The Youth Panel (see below for dates).
Budget:
The fee for the residency is £3,000. This is inclusive of:
- 4 dedicated workshops with our Museum Youth Panel (Thursday, 17 September
Thursday, 15 October, Thursday, 19 November, Thursday, 17 December).
- Travel and accommodation expenses if not already based in Reading.
- Project management (including financial management).
Selection Criteria:
We are looking for someone:
- For whom writing is a central element of their work.
- Is passionate about participatory practice and developing work collaboratively with and within communities.
- Has proven experience delivering workshops with community groups, including young people and vulnerable adults.
- Engages in a practice that explores themes relating to the Modernist Archives Publishing Project.
- Is available to undertake the residency and workshops during the specified period.
- Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
We welcome applications from writers at any stage of their professional career. However, the successful applicant must:
- Be self-employed and able to provide a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and National Insurance number.
- Hold valid Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance for the duration of the residency.
How to apply:
Your application should include:
- Your name and contact details (phone, email, postal address).
- A Writer’s Statement of up to 250 words, which should include reference to your creative practice.
- A Project Statement of up to 750 words, highlighting your relevant experience, skills and interests relating to the post and outlining your thinking in relation to this residency. This should include information such as the questions you would hope to address, workshop ideas, and how you would plan to carry out your practice and research process. The statement should refer to the selection criteria.
- CV (less than 3 pages)
- The names and contact details of two referees who may be contacted after interview.
- A DBS check is desirable (please state in your application if you need or currently have one.)
Application Submission:
Applications should be clearly titled ‘Blooming Bloomsbury – Writer in Residence Application’ and should reach us no later than midnight, Monday 18 May 2026.
Please email your completed application to d.k.corfield@reading.ac.uk
We aim to contact shortlisted applicants by Friday 22 May to arrange an interview which will take place on the week commencing 1 June.
Enquiries:
If you have any questions about the residency or application process, please contact:
