An opportunity for 12 Black, Asian and ethnically diverse/BPOC UK writers to develop their writing practice with creative writing workshops, peer support and mentoring from January to April 2026.
This year's theme: Water / Water in People’s Lives. About the Theme
The theme for our Covert Issue 6 is Water/Water In People’s Lives. We invite writers, artists and creatives to consider this theme as close to our rivers, wetlands, creeks, canals and other waterways here in Brighton, West Sussex, East Sussex and across Hampshire – and beyond.
Consider how water has been in your life or is in your life; has shaped the world as you know it, through the diaspora and migrant experience; is part of your cultural heritage; is part of your daily routine.
The scarcity of water or the abundance. Read what water means to our Guest Editors and their invitations for your creative submissions.
Guest editors: Roy McFarlane FRSL, Fawzia Kane, Gemma Weekes, Remi Graves, Alinah Azadeh. Supported by our editorial team: Amy Z. Glass, Claire Jacobs, Zita Holbourne FRSA, Jackie Mendoza, and Pauline Rutter. Read more about them on the programme page.
The programme includes:
- Five online creative writing workshops led by our Guest Editors
- An online writers’ group for peer support and feedback
- A one-to-one mentoring session with one of the Guest Editors
- Editorial guidance throughout the programme
- Guaranteed publication in Covert Literary Magazine: Issue 6
- Connection to a growing network of writers and creatives
Deadline to apply: Monday, 15 December 2025 at 9am. Via the Google Form.
Covert Issue 6 is connected to our new programme, Downs to the Sea, a three-year nature programme that focuses on recovery and resilience in wetland habitats. It is led by the South Downs National Park Authority and supported by development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The programme is also part of our Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation programme.
Read all guidelines before applying
Contribution Towards Our Programme
This year, we will be asking all participants to contribute towards the cost of running the programme so that we can make the programme and magazine sustainable in the long run. We will try to be as fair and simple about the process and ask participants to let us know what they can afford after they’ve been accepted on the programme.
Contributions levels will be at the following levels:
- £100 – full cost
- £75 – for lower-income and carers
- £50 – for single parents, on benefits
- £25 – for unemployed
This can be paid at any stage of the programme.
Please note that all places are heavily subsidised by our ACE NPO funding. We greatly appreciate your support.
How to Apply
Apply via the Google form after reading the guidelines https://forms.gle/nH5nySaJ4iqAFaqn8
If you have any access needs and would like 121 support, please contact us on [email protected]. We may have to limit the support to 45 minutes maximum due to having a small freelance team.
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].