Horizons Writers Circle is a program for writers within the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) community, ESL, and underrepresented writers who live in Edmonton and are at the beginning of their literary journey. The program runs for seven months and is fully subsidized, making it cost-free for successful applicants.

Program period: September 2021–March 2022
Application deadline: July 31, 2021 – 11:59 MST

About Horizons Writers Circle

The Writers’ Guild of Alberta (WGA) with the support from the Edmonton Arts Council, we have designed Horizons Writers Circle to yield new literary works, explore the experience of underrepresented writers, and initiate dialogue that celebrates our diversity and contributes to a deeper understanding of one another. The program offers mentorship, workshops, discussions, networking, public reading opportunities, industry events, and more. Horizons Writers Circle runs from September 2021 to March 2022 and is set online, unless otherwise specified for events and activities.

The program reflects the WGA’s commitment to emerging writers from diverse backgrounds. Our hope is to create opportunities for underserved writers, empowering them by supporting their self-determined journey to becoming established members of the literary community. Mentorship is a significant part of the program. Participants are carefully matched with well-established members of the literary community who can address their specific creative and technical writing goals.

Candidate Criteria

Candidates are required to meet the following criteria:

  1. The candidate must be a part of the BIPOC, immigrant, ESL and underrepresented community and has not yet established a substantial presence in Canada’s mainstream literary scene.
  2. The candidate must be a resident of Edmonton.
  3. The candidate must have a working knowledge of English.
  4. The candidate must be a Canadian citizen, refugee or landed immigrant.
  5. The candidate must be available to attend events and activities with reasonable regularity for the duration of the program.
  6. The candidate must provide writing samples. Please note that published works are not required.
  7. The candidate must have a clear intention of exploring and establishing a future in writing.

We thank all who apply, however, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.