Latvia along with other Baltic countries will be participating in London Book Fair 2018 as a Market Focus country and also celebrating its 100 years of independence.

Visiting Arts and the International Writers and Translators House of Latvia in the UK are planning a cultural exchange to promote a greater awareness of endangered languages and the rich contemporary literature and culture in Scotland and Latvia.

We are inviting Scottish poets and performing artists to put forward an expression of interest for the opportunity of a week in both Latvia and Scotland to collaborate with Latvian peers on written and performative work around the theme of endangered languages. The final work would be showcased at the end of the project and considered for the National Poetry Library endangered languages collection. We are looking for artists interested the preservation of language and in taking poetry beyond the page.

This opportunity is subject to confirmation of funding in February and therefore we wish to invite applications now from those who would be available in March and April 2018. If the application is unsuccessful the residency will not take place.

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Taking the form of residencies at specialist arts centres in Latvia and Scotland, a poet and performing artist from both countries would be brought together to develop their artistic and professional practice whilst sharing knowledge about contemporary writing, translation and performance. 

Working in collaboration, the four artists would develop a piece of poetry or collection of poems and a performance work. They would have the opportunity to showcase the performance work in progress and participate in a discussion event, around the time of notable arts festivals such as Glasgow International and TradFest Edinburgh, to create a network of interest from local writers, critics, artists, publishers and other creative professionals. 

The participating artists collectively would have the opportunity to realise a work to be considered for the National Poetry Library endangered languages collection and published online.

The artists would receive £1000 and additionally travel and accommodation costs would be covered.

To apply:

Through an open call, an expert panel of literary critics, publishers, academics and writers would select the participating Scottish artists by 1st March 2018 to begin the residency from 26th March.

• You must be a poet or performing artist based in Scotland who is creating work in an endangered Scottish language.
• You must be available in March and April for both week long residency visits.
• You must be interested in collaborating with other artists.

By 15 Feb, please send an expression of interest letter of up to 500 words telling us about your artistic practice and why you are interested in this opportunity (including any particular aspects you might like to explore) to sophia@visitingarts.org.uk along with a CV and a link to your website or work if available.

Do get in touch if you have any questions about this opportunity.