The Crossing Tongues Poetry Residency is now open for applications!
Crossing Tongues is an international poetry exchange connecting poets from Scotland and Nigeria through translation, creative collaboration and cultural immersion.
We are inviting one Scottish poet writing in English, Scots and/or Scottish Gaelic to undertake a 7-day residency in Nigeria, alongside the Hausa International Book & Arts Festival (HIBAF) in December.
The residency will create space for the poet to encounter Hausa literary and oral traditions, work collaboratively with a Nigerian Hausa–English poet, and explore how poetry moves between languages, cultures and forms.
What to expect
- 7-day residency in Nigeria 29th November – 6th December 2026
- Participation in the Hausa International Book & Arts Festival (HIBAF)
- Collaboration with a Nigerian Hausa–English poet
- Co-curated translation and poetry activities
- Workshops, readings and cultural exchange
- Engagement with Hausa literary and oral traditions
- Opportunities to meet Nigerian writers, artists and literary practitioners
- Co-created digital publication documenting the exchange
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from Scottish poets who:
- Are based in Scotland or have an established connection to Scotland’s literary community
- Write poetry in English, Scots and/or Scottish Gaelic
- Have a creative practice and some experience of public presentation, performance, publication or literary collaboration
- Have an interest in translation, multilingual poetry or cross-cultural literary exchange
- Are interested in engaging seriously with Hausa literary and cultural traditions
- Are available to travel to Nigeria for the 7-day residency and associated programme activities in December
What will the residency involve?
- Participate in HIBAF activities and programming
- Spend time with a Nigerian Hausa–English poet as part of the Crossing Tongues exchange
- Participate in collaborative translation and poetry sessions
- Contribute to a public workshop or literary activity in Nigeria
- Engage with writers, artists and cultural practitioners
- Explore Hausa literary, oral and poetic traditions through cultural immersion
- Develop creative material arising from the exchange
- Contribute to a shared digital publication documenting the project
What is provided?
The residency provides:
- International travel to Nigeria
- Accommodation for the duration of the residency
- Per diem / living allowance
- Local transportation associated with the programme
- Participation in HIBAF
- Access to the Crossing Tongues programme and partner networks
- £750 Artist fee
- Opportunities for collaboration with Nigerian poets and literary practitioners
How to apply
Please send the following in one PDF document with the subject Crossing Tongues Residency – Scotland to email:
- Short biography – Tell us about your poetry practice and relevant experience.
- Statement of interest – Tell us why you would like to participate in the residency and what interests you about working across Scottish and Hausa literary traditions.
- Poetry samples – Up to 3 pages of your work. Please include links to performances or published works where relevant.
Please note:
Securing entry visas and travel insurance are the sole responsibility of the selected applicants. Visa fees will be covered by the residency. Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature is not able to issue visas or guarantee outcomes.
Please complete the Google Form and Equal Opportunities (optional) linked below to submit your interest. Applications are open until 11:59pm on Wednesday 30th September. The selected applicants will be chosen by a panel from the partner organisations.
This residency is in partnership with Hausa International Book & Arts Festival (HIBAF), Open Arts Development Foundation, Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature, and Push the Boat Out. It is supported by the British Council and Creative Scotland.
