Literature is deeply rooted in the notion of freedom of expression. However, true freedom requires equality of opportunity and fair representation. Therefore, Literature Wales aims to enable everybody who would benefit from a course at Tŷ Newydd to do so, regardless of income or level of experience. Writers on low income have been identified as one of Literature Wales’ target client characteristics, and alongside two other groups (those from BAME backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities or illnesses) will be prioritised in all areas of our work. Our aim is to create equal and fair access to artistic innovation and professional development.
Literature Wales is a charity, and all income raised through Tŷ Newydd courses goes back into keeping the centre and its activities running, and towards other literary projects across Wales.
Our new Virtual Courses launched during the first lockdown in 2020 offer an opportunity for writers who have not been able to travel due to caring responsibilities, illnesses or disabilities, or any other reason to join a Tŷ Newydd course from their own home. Virtual courses are priced lower than residential courses, but we recognise that they won’t be affordable to all. Therefore, we will offer a free space (or more than one space if there is capacity) on each residential-style Virtual Course to a writer from Wales who cannot afford a space due to low-income circumstances. To apply for a bursary to grant you a free space, please email us to ask for a simple application form. Please note that we are likely to receive several applications, and that regretfully we cannot promise that all applications will be successful.
A retreat at our cottage, Nant, on site of Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre allows writers the time, space and peaceful atmosphere to work on their writing without the interference of their day to day life. We recognise that our retreats are not affordable to all, and that travel to Tŷ Newydd might pose additional financial barriers to attending. Therefore, if you cannot afford a retreat at Nant, please email us to ask for an application form which might grant you a bursary for a free, or a reduced price, retreat. This opportunity is only available for Wales-based writers. Please note that we are likely to receive a large volume of applications, and that regretfully we cannot promise that all applications will be successful.
We have bursaries available for individuals who might need financial help; however, funds are limited. Therefore, before applying for a bursary to attend a residential course, please consider:
You can apply for an installment payment plan whilst booking, however we do ask that 75% of the fee is paid before you arrive at Tŷ Newydd. Please ensure you have enough time to do so before applying, an illustration of the monthly payments for a shared room on a typical week long course (less £100 deposit paid upfront) is shown below:
If the course fee still makes it difficult for you to attend, then you may be eligible to apply for a bursary of between £50 – £200. To do so, please email us to ask for a simple application pack. Please note that you will need to request financial assistance before booking a course. Bursary requests cannot be considered after a booking has been made. Please note that we cannot always guarantee financial assistance due to the high volume of applications made annually.
Fundraising for bursaries is ongoing through various events and activities. Generous donations and contributions from visitors and friends are gratefully received throughout the year. If you would like to donate to the bursary fund, please contact Literature Wales:
01766 522 811 / tynewydd@literaturewales.org
