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Open Call: International Literature Project Grants (UK)

Deadline: 27-Mar-2026

Beyond Literature Borders (BLB) offers five grants of £7,000 to small, diverse-led UK literature organisations to develop new international collaborative projects with partners in 43 eligible countries.

Delivered by Speaking Volumes in collaboration with the British Council, the programme supports organisations new to international work and aims to build long-term cross-border partnerships. Projects must conclude by 31 May 2027.

What Is Beyond Literature Borders?

Beyond Literature Borders (BLB) is an international collaboration grant programme designed to help small UK-based literature organisations initiate and deliver reciprocal projects with global partners.

The programme prioritises organisations that:

  • Are new to international working

  • Are diverse-led

  • Support underrepresented voices

BLB provides financial support and professional guidance to help organisations build sustainable international partnerships.

Who Delivers the Programme?

Beyond Literature Borders is delivered by Speaking Volumes in collaboration with the British Council.

The British Council has identified 43 eligible partner countries for collaboration.

Funding Overview

Grant Amount

  • £7,000 per project

  • Five grants available

Project Timeline

  • Applications open: Monday, 2 February 2026

  • Projects must conclude by: 31 May 2027

  • Final reporting deadline: 14 June 2027

Projects may be:

  • Fully funded by the £7,000 grant

  • Part of a larger initiative with additional confirmed funding

Any co-funding must be clearly reflected in the project budget.

Programme Objectives

BLB aims to:

  • Enable reciprocal UK–international literature collaborations

  • Build international skills and knowledge among literature professionals

  • Strengthen cross-border artistic networks

  • Broaden access for underrepresented voices

  • Support long-term international engagement

The programme is capacity-building focused, meaning it supports organisations in developing confidence and competence in international practice.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Projects must be rooted in the literature sector.

Eligible approaches include:

  • Writer exchanges

  • Collaborative publishing projects

  • Literary festivals with international partners

  • Translation initiatives

  • Digital cross-border storytelling

  • Knowledge-sharing workshops

Cross-disciplinary projects are permitted if clearly linked to literature, such as:

  • Literature and music collaborations

  • Literature and science initiatives

  • Literature within the wider creative economy

Projects must involve meaningful collaboration with one partner from an eligible country.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be a UK-registered literature organisation

  • Be diverse-led or demonstrably support underrepresented voices

  • Have a confirmed partner in one eligible country

  • Hold a business bank account in the organisation’s name (or provide official clarification if different)

Eligible organisation types include:

  • Charities

  • Not-for-profits

  • Companies

  • Recognised organisational structures

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following cannot apply:

  • Individuals

  • Funding bodies

Applications without an international partner are not eligible.

What Does “Diverse-Led” Mean?

Diverse-led typically refers to organisations where leadership reflects underrepresented communities, including but not limited to:

  • Ethnically diverse communities

  • Disabled-led organisations

  • LGBTQ+ leadership

  • Other historically marginalised groups

Applicants must clearly explain how they meet this criterion.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Organisational Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

  • Is UK-registered

  • Operates within the literature sector

  • Can demonstrate diverse leadership or underrepresented focus

Step 2: Identify an Eligible International Partner

  • Confirm the partner is based in one of the 43 British Council–listed countries

  • Establish shared goals and reciprocal collaboration

Step 3: Design a Standalone Collaborative Project

Your project should:

  • Be achievable within the timeline

  • Demonstrate mutual benefit

  • Build long-term international capacity

Step 4: Develop a Clear Budget

  • Allocate the £7,000 effectively

  • Include any confirmed co-funding

  • Ensure all costs are realistic and justified

Step 5: Demonstrate Long-Term Impact

Explain how the collaboration will:

  • Extend beyond the grant period

  • Build future partnerships

  • Strengthen organisational capacity

Step 6: Submit Application After 2 February 2026

Ensure all required documentation is complete.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are likely assessed on:

  1. Alignment with BLB objectives

  2. Quality and clarity of the collaboration

  3. Feasibility of the project plan

  4. Strength of the partnership

  5. Long-term international potential

  6. Benefit to underrepresented voices

Clear articulation of reciprocal exchange is essential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Proposing one-sided rather than reciprocal projects

  • Failing to demonstrate underrepresented leadership or focus

  • Weak or informal partnership arrangements

  • Unrealistic timelines

  • Budgets that do not reflect project scope

  • Treating the project as a one-off without long-term vision

Why This Programme Matters

Beyond Literature Borders:

  • Expands international opportunities for small UK literature organisations

  • Promotes inclusive cultural exchange

  • Strengthens global literary networks

  • Builds confidence in cross-border collaboration

  • Supports equitable participation in the creative economy

It enables organisations with limited international experience to test and grow their global practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding is available?

Five grants of £7,000 are available.

2. Can individuals apply?

No. Only eligible UK-registered organisations may apply.

3. Must the project involve a specific country?

Yes. The UK organisation must collaborate with one partner from the British Council’s list of 43 eligible countries.

4. Can the £7,000 be part of a larger project?

Yes. Additional funding is allowed if secured and included in the budget.

5. What is the final deadline for completing projects?

Projects must conclude by 31 May 2027, with reporting due by 14 June 2027.

6. Can projects combine literature with other art forms?

Yes, if literature remains central and the project relates to the wider creative literature economy.

7. Is prior international experience required?

No. The programme specifically supports organisations new to international working.

Conclusion

Beyond Literature Borders provides targeted international collaboration funding for small, diverse-led UK literature organisations seeking to expand their global engagement.

With £7,000 grants, professional guidance, and a focus on reciprocal partnerships, the programme helps organisations build sustainable international practice, amplify underrepresented voices, and create long-term cross-border creative opportunities.

For more information, visit Speaking Volumes.