29th May 2025
John Hewitt
CALLING ALL WRITERS!
We are offering four bursaries to attend this year’s esteemed John Hewitt International Summer School being held from Monday 28 July-Saturday 2 August 2025 at The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh.
Writers resident in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough can apply via this link
Deadline for applications is Wednesday 18th June 2025 at 5pm.
In partnership with The John Hewitt Society, we are offering four full bursaries (including accommodation) to borough residents interested in attending.
Each full bursary includes:
- Accommodation in Armagh for five nights (single en-suite)
- Free tickets to all programme events (except Saturday workshops)
- A creative writing course of your choice, with 6 hours tuition over 3 days
- Breakfast each morning, noon refreshments and invitation to both dinner receptions
- Certificates of Achievement
Please note: Applications are assessed by the John Hewitt Society Committee and it is a competitive process. All applicants will receive notification from the JHS directly to confirm the outcome of their application. Please click the link above to apply.
Previous applicants may re-apply but priority is given to those who have never attended the John Hewitt Society Summer School.
Applications are assessed on the following:
- applicants must be over 18 years old
- applicants must be resident in Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council area
- availability to stay in Armagh for the full five nights from Monday 28th July – Saturday 02nd August (for half-bursaries, we request your availability and attendance during programme hours)
- dedication to attend a minimum 70% of events on our five day programme
- a keen interest in writing/storytelling and a desire to develop as a writer | we welcome applications from aspiring and beginner writers! All we ask for is proof that you take your writing seriously, would like to develop your skills or network, and have a plan for your writing going forward.
The John Hewitt Society promotes literature, arts, and culture inspired by the Ideas and Ideals of John Hewitt, the Belfast poet, critic, curator & political thinker (1907-1987).
Since 1987, The John Hewitt Society has developed a wide range of literary and cultural activities to bring people of differing faith and cultural identities together in safe spaces through the medium of literature and creative writing.
The aim of the bursary scheme is to offer opportunities and experiences to inspire and foster a love of reading and to motivate, equip and support the development of writing for pleasure.
Some comments from Bursary award students:
‘A brilliant experience, the variety of events on the programme was exceptional. I was so lucky to receive a full bursary.’
’ I had the best week. I can’t tell you how fantastic it was and how much of an impact attending the summer school had on me. I just loved it! Thank you for the bursary to attend.’
‘My experience at the summer school was phenomena. Loved it!’
‘I was amazed and delighted at the variety of events on offer. Meeting other writers and taking part in the Showcase was inspiring and highly motivational. The whole week was brilliant though somewhat exhausting! Great speakers and great connections made that have further aided my writing progress.’
‘It was excellent. The events and speakers were of exceptional quality. The breadth of events kept me interested as everything was unique. As a bursary student I felt very well looked after and warmly welcomed. I felt the organisers genuinely cared that I was well and happy.’
