The Common Lot and National Centre for Writing (NCW) are seeking a Writer-in-Residence to create new work for The Common Lot’s new show, ‘On the Huh: 900 Years of Norwich Market’.
‘On the Huh’ is a large-scale participatory production, a free, site-specific promenade show being performed between 21–26 July 2026.
The Common Lot hope to welcome 2,500 audience members to enjoy the rich and amazing history of the market – a place to debate, share and trade. In divided times, we aim to leave a legacy of cooperation, joy, civic pride and friendship.
As part of this, NCW are partnering to invite a Writer-in-Residence to co-create short pieces of work with the traders and customers of Norwich Market, which will be displayed on text boards around the market as part of the show.
We’re looking for a writer who cares about Norwich, its past, present, and people, to help us capture the tales of the market.
The selected writer will work on this project over eight days in spring 2026, producing a small body of work in collaboration with the people who work and use the market. We anticipate this to be a collection of 20 poems and/or stories, or one longer piece that will be displayed in the marketplace.
The Common Lot produce work that seeks to bring us together in divided times, celebrating what our fine city and its greatness. The work produced will will celebrate our resilient, tough, hardworking, grassroots market at the heart of the city, and it will capture the stories of the marketplace through the lens of those who work and shop there.
As The Common Lot is a Threatre of Sanctuary, and NCW is a Place of Sanctuary, themes of welcome and sanctuary are very important to both partners and should be present in the project.
Terms & conditions
- The total fee for this work is £2,000.
- The writer will be selected by Sunday 22 March.
- The writer in residence will work across eight days’ work, taking place in spring 2026 (dates and format to be confirmed).
- There is scope to be involved in the show in July, though this time would need to be accounted for within the £2,000 fee.
- There is a menu of opportunities for engagement available, with access to The Common Lot’s research and storymakers group, a guided tour of the market, and space to work at Dragon Hall.
How to apply
To apply for the residency please write a Personal Statement (maximum 750 words) on why you would like to be our Writer in Residence, outlining relevant skills, previous experience in producing work with and for a similar, co-created community setting, and a sense of your approach to this commission.
Please send this Personal Statement, alongside a sample of work from a similar project (maximum 250 words) with the subject like ‘On the Huh residency’ to Peggy Hughes, Chief Executive at [email protected]
Closing date for applications: 12noon, Thursday 26 February
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