We are seeking to appoint a writer, storyteller, spoken word artist or other wordsmith to be in residence for the calendar month of July 2022 for the equivalent of at least one day per week during that time.

The writer-in-residence will deliver two public facing events or workshops as well as creating a short piece in response to their time at Exeter Custom House.

The theme for Quay Words Summer 2022 is ‘Maritime’ – taking inspiration from the setting of Exeter Quayside and the historic uses of Exeter Custom House as an important landmark in what was a trading harbour. We seek a writer-in-residence to develop work and creative responses to this theme. This could be historical fiction, or creative non-fiction that delves into the South West’s maritime past and Exeter Quay’s status as a historic harbour. It could be poetry or storytelling inspired by Exeter’s links to the sea. Once regularly served by commercial vessels, Exeter in the present day is considered to have lost its route to the sea. We’re interested in what it means to be maritime city, including a look at Exeter’s links to colonialism fuelled by sea trade. Overall, we want to hear your creative ideas on how this theme could be approached.

There is a fee of £1,000 inclusive. Find out more and how to apply in our Recruitment Pack.

Deadline for applications: midnight Sunday 24th April

Interviews: Wednesday 11th May