Awele Creative Trust (ACT) Award for Nigerian Resident Writers

By
Success Goodluck
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The Awele Creative Trust (ACT) Award serves as a guiding light for writers residing in Nigeria, providing a distinctive chance to enhance their skills and enrich the country’s literary scene.

Awele Creative Trust (ACT) Award for Nigerian Resident Writers
Awele Creative Trust (ACT) Award for Nigerian Resident Writers

This piece unravels essential information about this esteemed award, covering deadlines, goals, grant amounts, eligibility requirements, the application process, and required documents.

Deadlines

If you’re aiming for the ACT Award, remember the submission deadline: January 30, 2024. Aspiring writers should check the official ACT website regularly for updates.

Objectives and Goals

The main goals of the ACT Award focus on supporting and empowering writers in Nigeria. The award aims to:

  • Inspire Creativity: Cultivate a creative space that encourages the creation of excellent literary works.
  • Recognize Literary Excellence: Acknowledge and reward outstanding literary talent within Nigerian writers.
  • Enrich Culture: Contribute to the cultural diversity of Nigeria by endorsing diverse voices and stories.

Grant Amount and Benefits

The ACT Award comes with a significant grant to help writers in their work. Although the exact amount is a cash prize of N50,000 for the winning author, the grant is meant to financially support writers, allowing them to concentrate on their writing. Along with the money, recipients often get guidance, chances to connect with others, and visibility in the literary community.

ACT Award Eligibility and Criteria

The ACT Award is all about celebrating and supporting Nigeria’s diverse writing talents. To qualify, writers need to meet certain criteria, such as:

  • Live in Nigeria: Writers must be residents of Nigeria. This shows the award’s dedication to uplifting local talent and enhancing the nation’s literary scene.
  • Different Writing Styles: The award welcomes writers from various genres like fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more. This inclusive approach honors the variety of storytelling in Nigeria.
  • New and Experienced Writers: The ACT Award is for both new and experienced writers, recognizing talent at different career stages. Everyone is encouraged to apply, whether starting out or with a body of work.
  • Be Original and Creative: Originality and creativity matter a lot. The award seeks writers with a unique voice and fresh perspectives, pushing the boundaries of literary expression.
  • Write Excellently: Great writing is a must. The selection process looks for writers who master language, understand storytelling techniques, and engage readers effectively.
  • Share Your Project Vision: Writers usually need to submit a project proposal, outlining their literary project’s importance and impact. A clear vision for the project is crucial.
  • Show Your Writing Skills: Including writing samples is vital. These samples represent the writer’s style, voice, and storytelling abilities. Compelling samples can significantly boost an applicant’s chances.
  • Share Your Story: A detailed biography is often required. This lets writers showcase their literary journey, achievements, and aspirations, giving a complete picture of their contribution to Nigeria’s literary world.

Application Guidelines

Application Guidelines for the ACT Award are as follows:

  • No Previously Published Work: Any work published before is not eligible for the ACT Award.
  • Submission Method: Email your submission to awelecreativetrust@gmail.com. This is the only accepted submission method.
  • One Story per Author per Year: Each author can submit only one story in a given year.
  • Include Cover Note: Submissions should have a cover note with the author’s name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.
  • Fiction Only: Only fictional works are eligible for the award.
  • Word Count: Submitted works should be between 2,500 and 5,000 words.
  • Translations Welcome: Translations of works from any Nigerian language into English are accepted. If a translated work wins, N20,000 of the prize money goes to the translator.

ACT Award Requirements and Qualifications

For writers aiming to get the Awele Creative Trust (ACT) Award, here are the key things to know:

  • Age: Applicants should usually be adults, typically between 16 and 26. This ensures a focus on mature voices capable of creating impactful literary work.
  • Citizenship and Living in Nigeria: Writers must be Nigerian citizens and residents. The award prioritizes supporting local talent, and building a sense of community within Nigeria’s literary landscape.
  • Past Writing: While open to new writers, having previous literary work can strengthen your profile. Published or unpublished pieces showcase dedication and potential contributions.
  • Good at Writing in English: Applicants should show a high level of English proficiency since it’s the primary language for the award. This ensures effective communication of intended messages and themes.
  • Be Original and Creative: Originality and creativity are crucial for the ACT Award. Writers are encouraged to present fresh ideas, contributing to the diversity of Nigerian literature.
  • Project Proposal: A detailed project proposal is a must. It should outline the writer’s literary project, including the theme, narrative structure, and intended impact. This shows the writer’s vision and commitment.
  • Writing Examples: Providing writing samples is essential. These should showcase storytelling skills, literary style, and thematic exploration. High-quality samples captivate the reader and reveal the writer’s unique perspective.
  • Biography: A thorough biography is usually needed, offering insights into the writer’s background, literary journey, and aspirations. Highlight relevant experiences, achievements, and influences shaping your storytelling.
  • Love for Literature: The ACT Award looks for writers genuinely dedicated to literature and its advancement in Nigeria. This dedication should be evident in your past works, literary goals, and involvement in the local literary community.

Documentation

The required documentation typically includes:

  • Application Form: Complete the official application form provided by ACT. Ensure that all fields are accurately filled with the necessary information regarding your details, contact information, and project proposal details.
  • Project Proposal: Present a detailed project proposal outlining the literary work you intend to undertake with the support of the award. Clearly articulate your project’s objectives, themes, and significance. Showcase the originality, creativity, and literary excellence of your proposed work.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): Submit an updated resume or curriculum vitae highlighting your educational background, professional experience, writing achievements, and any relevant publications. This document provides evaluators with an overview of your qualifications and literary journey.
  • Writing Samples: Include samples of your previous literary works or excerpts from the project you are proposing for the award. These samples serve as tangible examples of your writing style, voice, and narrative capabilities. Ensure that the samples align with the themes of your proposed project.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Obtain letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your writing abilities, dedication to literature, and the potential impact of your proposed project. These letters add credibility to your application.
  • Educational Certificates: Provide copies of your academic certificates, showcasing your educational qualifications. This is particularly important for establishing your foundation in literary studies or related fields.
  • Identification Documents: Submit copies of official identification documents, such as a passport or national identity card, to verify your Nigerian residency.
  • Published Works, if applicable: If you have previously published works, include copies or references to these publications. Published works can further demonstrate your experience and contribution to the literary landscape.
  • Project Timeline: Outline a realistic timeline for the completion of your proposed project. This demonstrates your organizational skills and commitment to meeting deadlines.
  • Personal Statement: Include a personal statement expressing your passion for literature, your motivation for applying to the ACT Award, and how the award aligns with your writing goals.

ACT Award Benefits

Winning the Awele Creative Trust (ACT) Award comes with several advantages for writers:

  • Financial Support: Receive a monetary grant to focus on writing projects without financial constraints.
  • Mentorship Programs: Engage in programs designed to nurture emerging talent, offering guidance and feedback.
  • Publishing Opportunities: Open doors to publishing, and showcasing works through partnerships with publishers and literary agencies.
  • Networking Events: Connect with fellow writers and publishers at events, enhancing visibility and credibility.
  • Community Support: Join a supportive community of award winners, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Conclusion:

The Awele Creative Trust (ACT) Award is a prestigious literary accolade that provides financial support, mentorship, publishing opportunities, networking events, and community engagement for Nigerian resident writers. It serves as a gateway to a vibrant community of writers dedicated to storytelling, offering a transformative opportunity for aspiring writers to pursue their literary dreams with unwavering support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can writers submit collaborative projects or works in progress for the ACT Award?

Whether collaborative projects or works in progress are accepted depends on the eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, which will provide specific details. Writers are advised to carefully review the guidelines for clarity.

How does the ACT Award contribute to the growth of Nigerian literature?

The ACT Award significantly contributes to the growth of Nigerian literature by recognizing and supporting talented writers. Through opportunities for financial assistance, mentorship, publishing, and networking, the award enriches the literary landscape of Nigeria, fostering a thriving community of storytellers.

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