The programme runs biennially for three editions between 2017 and 2022 supporting a total of nine individuals, three Fellowships per edition. Successful poets each receive £15,000 to support a year of Fellowship, during which they are matched with a core mentor and have further access to a range of advisers and critical friends to support their developing practice.
The year-long Fellowships invest in the process and practice of making poetry, rewarding individuals who are making, or are capable of making, a significant contribution to a community of poetry. A distinctive part of the Fellowships is that they provide an open space for poetic practice, with no expectation of published work or performed events as a result of the award.
The Fellowships reward a culturally and creatively diverse series of individuals, which could mean both discovering emerging talent and rewarding experience and excellence. They also offer an opportunity to engage in critical conversations about what poetry can be, and is today. We are looking to identify and encourage those who may not normally consider applying for development opportunities, awards or prizes. Nominations were made by a pool of over 200 specialists nationally including poets, publishers, editors, literary development agencies, artists, funders and festival organisers.
In 2019 the selection panel included Malika Booker; poet, editor and Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellow 2017/18 Jane Commane; Jan Kofi-Tsekpo, Relationship Manager, Literature for Arts Council England; Jon Opie, Deputy Director of Jerwood Arts; Debris Stevenson, Grimepoet; and Nathalie Teitler, Project Manager for Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships.
The Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellows 2019-20 are: Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Anthony Joseph and Yomi Sode.
They join 2017-18 Fellows: Raymond Antrobus, Jane Commane and Jackie Hagan.
Download the announcement PR for the Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships 2019-20
Download the PR for the inaugural Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships.
