Beyond Literature Borders 2026
Beyond Literature Borders, a collaboration between Speaking Volumes and the British Council, is calling for applications from small, UK-based arts organisations to develop and deliver a standalone literature project with an international partner.
To apply, organisations must be diverse-led and/or working with underrepresented voices and either completely new to international work or just starting to work beyond the UK. They will be expected to work with a country from a list of 43 countries identified by the British Council, including Kazakhstan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Pakistan.
The programme will:
- Support literature organisations new to international working by offering four grants to conduct a discrete reciprocal literature project in an ODA country;
- Equip UK literature professionals with the skills and knowledge to run successful international collaborative programmes through the support and advice of both the British Council and Speaking Volumes;
- Broaden networks and connections across borders for both organisations and artists, creating opportunities for future collaborations and invitations;
- Encourage literature organisations which work to support underrepresented voices within the UK literature scene to develop opportunities for those voices to participate in international programmes.
Grant
There are 5 grants of 7,000 GBP each.
Beyond Literature Borders 2026 application guidelines
Deadline: 27 March 2026