The Bursary
The Bursary
What to Expect
The Edna O’Brien Young Writers Bursary is an immersive, week-long programme running both online and onsite in MoLI in July 2021 (subject to public health guidelines).
15 selected students will develop their creative practice under the guidance of a leading Irish author, as well as meeting with representatives from the publishing industry, UCD academic staff and other writers.
The goal of the bursary is to attract young writers with significant potential, and afford them the opportunity to explore that potential, whilst gaining an introduction to the worlds of publishing and literature as a course of academic study.
• The programme runs from Monday, 19 July, until Friday, 23 July 2021.
• All students will have their work published as a special edition under the MoLI Editions imprint.
• As well as being given membership of the museum, the students will be invited to various museum events throughout the year.
• All bursary staff, programming, events and practices are delivered in line with MoLI’s Child Protection Policy and Safeguarding Statement.
How to Apply
Application is via our online form.
Section 1: Consent This should be completed by the applicant’s parent or guardian.
Section 2: The Applicant This should be completed by the applicant.
Section 3: The Application The applicant will be prompted to submit two pieces of writing:
About you – Tell us why you should be selected for the Edna O’Brien Bursary (about 300 words).
Your writing – Please submit an extract of something that you have written (about 300 words). This should be a short creative excerpt of prose, poetry, or non-fiction.
Things to Consider
For our full terms and conditions see here. Some of the main things for applicants to consider are as follows:
• We will only accept applications with parental/guardian consent, including joint contact details completed.
• We will accept only one application per writer.
• Your writing can be new or existing work, but must be an original piece of work by you.
• We are not looking for polished, finished pieces of writing, or writers with large amounts of experience. What we are interested in is hearing about you, your passion and your creativity.
• You must be between the age of 15 and 17 years old when applying and taking part in the bursary week in July 2021. Anyone 14 years old and under, and 18 years old and over will not be considered.
• At MoLI, we are committed to youth creativity and want to ensure that our museum and programmes are accessible to all. The Edna O’Brien Young Writers Bursary welcomes applications from young writers from across the island of Ireland, and actively encourages applications from a diversity of ethnic or cultural groups including, but not limited to, Asian, Black, Traveller and minority ethnic, refugees, people with disabilities, working-class and LGBTQI+.
Closing date for applications 10pm on Monday, 29 March 2021.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome via email on Friday, 21 May 2021.