Connecting Emerging Literary Artists (CELA) is an international talent development project co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the EU. CELA connects emerging writers from 11 European countries with emerging translators through masterclasses, sample translations, mentorship, presentations and live meetings. The project aims to offer literary artists from small language markets in Europe a level playing field to establish an international career, reach an international audience and develop their professional skills.

For the third edition of CELA we are looking for emerging writers to take part from September 2024 to December 2025.

Please check out our partners website for more information. Each partner organises their own selection process through open calls, selection committees, expert groups and international networks.

Wintertuin – open call for Dutch writers – deadline 29.04.2024
deBuren – open call for Flemish writers – deadline 29.04.2024
CzechLit – open call for Czech writers – deadline 31.03.2024
GOGA – open call for Slovenian writers – deadline 26.05.2024
Next Page – open call for Bulgarian writers – deadline 31.05.2024
FILIT – open call for Romanian writers – deadline 24.05.2024
KROKODIL – open call for Serbian writers – deadline 15.05.2024
Escuela de Escritores – open call for Spanish writers – deadline 02.06.2024
Krakow Festival Office – open call for Polish writers – deadline 26.05.2024
Scuola Holden – open call for Italian writers – deadline 01.06.2024
 

What do we offer:
/ translation of a sample from your most recent book into 10 European languages;
/ publication of this sample on the CELA website and other literary platforms across Europe;
/ 2 international online masterclasses on relevant professionalisation topics;
/ mentorship programme;
/ professional communication tool kit with headshot and artist bio;
/ 1 live national team meeting in [city of organisation];
/ 1 live project-wide work week in Turin, Italy (January 29 to February 2 2025);
/ 1 visit to a literary festival in one of the participating countries to present your sample text together with your translator;
/ connection to an international network of more than 300 writers, translators and literary organisation in Europe.

What do we ask:

/ you are a writer of prose (fiction and non-fiction both apply) in [native language];
/ you have published a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 works of prose (fiction or nonfiction both apply) with a national quality publishing house;
/ you have preferably followed literature and/or writing courses and have considerable writing skills, experience and expertise;
/ your (published) work has not been translated into more than 1 of the participating languages;
/ you are willing and able to prioritize your participation in this project, you can make the time and (head)space to dedicate focus to the activities and you are able and willing to communicate with partner organisations and other participants (the common project language is English).

Do you not match these criteria at this moment? We will call for more writers to participate in the fall of 2025. Sign up for the CELA newsletter to receive updates. 
Participation in this project is free of charge, but not free of commitment. CELA covers travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for live activities.