Following another successful iteration of the International Literature Exchange (ILX), we are excited to offer legacy funding to international delegates of the 2025/26 programme.
This seed funding can be used to develop new collaborations between delegates within different hubs, driving forward new projects, relationships, and ways of working.
The purpose of the ILX Legacy Fund is to enable collaboration, deepen working partnerships and spark connections and ideas between international delegates from the 2025/26 International Literature Exchange.
Three projects will be awarded £2,000. Projects are to take place from 1 August 2026 to 15 March 2027.
At the heart of ILX is the recognition that the literary scene is stronger when we work together, across international borders and between different cultural contexts. The fund exists to make international collaboration easier at a time of global challenges.
We invite delegates to think about innovative ways of working together that are new to you or your organisation/s.
The fund aims to enable delegates to:
- Develop connections and collaborative relationships with each other.
- Exchange professional expertise and best practice as next generation leaders.
- Develop ways of working that are resilient, innovative, sustainable and evidence-driven.
- Explore new ways of responding to global challenges
- Develop new projects.
Who can apply?
We are accepting project proposals from pairs of delegates (either as individuals or organisations) who participated in the 2025/2026 International Literature Exchange only. This is a partnership fund to enable collaboration between International Literature Exchange delegates based in different regional hubs.
Applications must be made by two delegates from different regional hubs who plan to collaborate, either as individuals or with their respective organisations.
For example, if you are a delegate from Ukraine, you could apply in partnership with a delegate from either South Korea, Indonesia or the UK & Ireland.
Because British Council has provided funds for the ILX Legacy Fund, all projects must have a significant UK element. This might mean that one of the applicants is an ILX delegate from the UK hub, or that the project involves a UK writer/translator/event, etc.
What can I apply for?
This fund can support small projects that focus on:
- Developing your artistic practice with international peers
- Collaborating and learning from others internationally
- Building early relationships for future international projects and audiences
- Exchanges to spark new ideas
Eligible activity may include in person and/or digital:
- Exchanges
- Residencies
- Partnership development
- Co-creation
- Networking
- Workshops
Priority will be given to applications experimenting with innovative models of international collaboration.
Funds can be used to cover expenses relating to the project (for example, travel, accommodation, equipment or artist fees), or to pay for yourself and/or your project partners’ time if acting as freelancers, proportionate to additional time spent delivering the proposed project.
How to apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your application via the form linked below. Applications will be assessed against:
- Relevance: how does the project respond to global or regional literary challenges?
- Project structure: is the project plan comprehensive and realistic?
- Partnership collaboration: does the collaboration seem meaningful? Will both partners grow and learn through working together?
- Potential impact: how will the applicants – and any other participants or audiences – benefit from the project?
The deadline for applications is midnight (BST), Sunday 5 July 2026.
The ILX Legacy Fund is delivered by the National Centre for Writing in partnership with the British Council.
