I’m just going to copy and paste the information:

The scheme intends to encourage writing practice within the West Midlands, giving a platform for new writers to gain public exposure, experience and professional development, whilst simultaneously promoting arts activity in the region to a wider audience.

The writer will receive 3 half-day mentoring sessions from the This is Tomorrow team:

• James Smith (focus on research, planning and editorial).
• Lorena Munoz-Alonso (focus on artists interviews / features).
• Josephine Breese (focus on reviews and writing style).

In addition the writer will have two half-day mentoring sessions with Sally O’Reilly which will focus on writing practice.

The writer will be expected to produce three pieces of critical writing (as detailed below), which will be published on www.thisistomorrow.info and www.weareeastside.com

• A review of Flatpack or Fierce Festival (500words), March 2011
• An interview/feature on a West Midlands based practitioner or artist-led organisation (1000 words), June 2011
• A review of all, or a part of The Event 2011 (1000 words),  October 2011

Application process

Applicants should send:

• A short letter of application stating why you have applied for this opportunity and what you hope to gain from it.
• Two examples of critical writing (around 500 words each).
• An up to date CV

To: jamessmith.lon@googlemail.com

Deadline: Friday 14th January 2011

Capital‘s first Festival of New Writing is taking place at The Old Joint Stock between 22 – 27 November, bringing writers, actors and theatre makers together to celebrate developing work.

The festival will use the current political climate as a backdrop, offering an informal platform for participants to explore new work, ideas and audiences. They have also launched a competition asking ‘What’s your take on Cameron’s “Big Society”? Have you been affected by any of the issues raised?’, urging playwrights to create small plays about a big society.

To enter, take a look at the full details, and send your entry to catherine@capitalplays.co.uk by 5pm on Friday 12th November 2010.

For further information on events happening throughout the Festival, visit the Capital website.