The doors are officially open for one of Ireland’s most inspiring creative opportunities of the year. The Raising Voices Fellowship 2026 has begun accepting applications, inviting aspiring writers and illustrators for children and young adults to step into a fully-funded, career-defining programme designed to transform talent into published success. For creatives who have been waiting for the right moment to be seen, supported, and taken seriously in the literary world, this is that moment.
More than just a fellowship, Raising Voices is a powerful launchpad. It brings together leading literary organizations across Ireland to remove barriers to entry, amplify underrepresented voices, and provide real, practical support that helps Fellows move from promising creators to confident professionals. From mentorship and residencies to editorial guidance and national showcases, the 2026 programme offers a rare chance to grow your craft without worrying about financial constraints.
What the Raising Voices Fellowship 2026 Offers Successful Fellows?
Winning the Raising Voices Fellowship is not just recognition — it is access to a complete creative ecosystem that nurtures your talent from idea to industry. Fellows receive a fully-funded development journey that includes one-to-one mentorship with an experienced writer or illustrator, professional editorial or art-direction feedback tailored to your work, and a week-long residency at the prestigious Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig.
Beyond creative growth, Fellows gain career-shaping exposure through a showcase event at the Dublin Book Festival, professional photography for author and illustrator profiles, and ongoing networking opportunities with Children’s Books Ireland and partner organizations. Add to that exclusive access to speaker series, funding clinics, bursary guidance, and insider knowledge on submissions and publishing pathways — and the Raising Voices Fellowship becomes one of the most comprehensive support packages available to emerging children’s and YA creators in Ireland today.
Eligibility Requirements — Who Should Apply?
If you are creating for young readers and feel your voice has not yet had the platform it deserves, this fellowship is built for you. The Raising Voices Fellowship encourages applicants to self-identify as underrepresented and welcomes diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich children’s and young adult literature.
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Create work for children and young people, including fiction, non-fiction, or poetry
- Work in English or as Gaeilge
- Have a complete manuscript, picture book, or illustrated book outline
- Identify as coming from a background or community underrepresented in children’s and YA publishing
- Have not yet been published or secured a contract with a publisher or agent
- Live permanently in Ireland or Northern Ireland
Applicants should note that the use of AI in any form within applications or creative work is strictly prohibited.
Apply: https://childrensbooksireland.ie/news-events/applications-open-raising-voices-fellowship-2026
Application Deadline — Mark This Date Now!
The last date to apply for the Raising Voices Fellowship 2026 is Thursday, 19 February 2026, at 3:00 pm. All applications must be submitted by this time to be considered for the fellowship programme running from March to November 2026.