Call for Writers: Imagining the Near Future
Dialect is seeking four writers from across the Stroud District to join the next round of Weight of Light, our co-creative artist led project exploring how our communities might live and adapt in the near future.
We are looking for writers who are curious about place, rooted in their local landscape and open to imagining futures that feel credible and hopeful. You do not need to be a climate expert or a published writer. You only need to be willing to experiment and work alongside others.
Selected writers will:
join a supportive peer process
take part in two or three creative workshops
develop a new piece of writing set in a landscape within the District
gain experience of a collaborative editorial process
contribute to a public facing body of work
keep short journals, field notes and/or photos as part of the work
record audio for podcast, if possible
build confidence in near future and place based writing
receive a paid commission of £250
We welcome writers of all backgrounds and experiences, especially those whose voices are under-represented. We are especially interested to hear from writers outside of Stroud Town - see the District map below to discover the area this grant covers (including Dursley, Berkeley, Wotton Under Edge, Stonehouse, Minchinhampton etc).
Stroud District Map (outlined in black)
To apply, complete our online form OR send a short audio or video message responding to the questions below to dialectsubmissions@gmail.com.
The questions on are as follows:
1. tell us a little about yourself (100 words)
2. tell us about the landscape you feel most connected to (50 words)
3. tell us why you want to take part (100)
4. send us a 500-word sample of your writing.
If you need to talk through the call out before applying, email us to arrange a short chat and/ or if you simply have some queries, please feel free to contact: juliette.morton@dialect.org.uk.
The deadline for submissions is midnight 12th July 2026.
Weight of Light is sponsored by the Nature & Climate Fund at Stroud District Council.
Let’s imagine a future we can move through together.
