Our Visible Communities programme aims to:

• Diversify access routes to literary translation in the UK
• Strengthen links between the literary translation community and UK diaspora communities
• Contribute to the debate around decolonising literary translation
• Expand the range of literature published in translation in the UK.

Residencies are open to UK-based literary translators who are Black, Asian, or from other Ethnically Diverse backgrounds, working from any language into English.

We particularly welcome applications from translators and writers who translate from, or have knowledge of, diaspora and heritage language communities within the UK.

The virtual residencies are designed to support translators working on a project that engages with the aims of the Visible Communities programme.

Each of the three virtual residencies will run from March to June 2026 and includes:

• A £3,000 fee
• Flexible working hours tailored to your proposed project
• Time and space for research, writing, and reflection
• A commissioned blog or article for the Visible Communities section of the website (due end of June 2026)
• The opportunity to curate a translation-related Meet the World event
• A mentoring session with an experienced literary translator
• Regular online peer meetings to share work-in-progress and receive feedback

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected] with the subject line: ‘Visible Communities Virtual Residency’.

1. Cover letter outlining:
   • Why you’re interested in the opportunity
   • What you hope to contribute to the Visible Communities programme
   • The themes or areas you wish to explore during the residency
   • Your approach to the project and ideas for your Meet the World event
   • Your relevant experience
2. CV
3. Translation sample (up to 2,000 words).

Deadline: Mon 13 October.

We are also pleased to offer two short in-person residencies for literary translators as part of our 2026 Visible Communities programme. These residencies are generously supported by the Francis W. Reckitt Arts Trust.

The residencies will take place at the Dragon Hall Cottage in Norwich from Mon 19 January to Fri 30 January 2026.

Each residency offers:

• Two weeks of dedicated time to focus on your translation work
• The chance to connect with local writers and translators in Norwich
• A mentoring session via Zoom with an experienced literary translator, offering feedback and professional development advice
• The opportunity to create commissioned content for NCW’s digital platforms.

The two selected translators will share the Dragon Hall Cottage, a charming two-bedroom house with a sitting room, library, kitchen, and bathroom. Please note that, in keeping with traditional Norwich architecture, the stairs to the bedrooms are quite steep.

The National Centre for Writing will cover travel costs within the UK and will provide a stipend of £300 per week for each resident.

To apply, please email [email protected] with the subject line: ‘Visible Communities Cottage Residency’.

Your application should include:

1. A description of the manuscript or translation project you plan to work on during the residency
2. A cover letter detailing:
   • Why you wish to take part in this residency
   • What you hope to contribute and gain from the experience
   • The kind of support you would value from the mentor at this stage in your career
3. Your CV
4. A translation sample (up to 2,000 words).

Deadline for applications: Mon 13 October 2025

Get in touch with us via email [email protected]

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