Global Majority and Underrepresented Writers’ Programme

Global Majority and Underrepresented Writers Programme

About the Programme

The Oxford Centre for Life-Writing has long played a central role in inspiring writers and researchers in the field of life-writing, helping them explore and develop their work. Through our new initiative, we aim to encourage and empower talented writers who are underrepresented both in our community and on our bookshelves, supporting them to establish themselves as successful authors.

We recognise the multiple barriers to writing and publication, particularly for individuals from backgrounds historically excluded from life-writing, publishing, and academia. This programme seeks ensure that the future of life-writing authorship and research better reflects the broad and diverse range of voices that surround us.

Launching in 2025, the Global Majority and Underrepresented Writers’ Programme is designed to provide skills training, mentorship, and opportunities to support participants in producing high-quality writing, building their confidence, and equipping them to navigate the publishing industry. We are committed to fostering a community where life-writers feel supported, celebrated, and connected to other researchers and professionals in the field.

We also aim to diversify our staffing and offer paid opportunities for established life-writers from Global Majority and underrepresented writing communities, ensuring their expertise and leadership are valued at every stage. For example:

  • Our weekly online writing feedback group will be chaired by an author, academic, and writing coach who specialises in working with disabled, LGBTQ+, and other diverse communities.
  • Masterclasses, seminars, and lectures will offer paid opportunities for established Global Majority and underrepresented writers to present their insights and work to OCLW’s global audience.

Events

The Programme’s masterclasses, seminars, and lectures will be free and open to all, with priority given to underrepresented and Global Majority writers. Starting in Hilary 2025, we invite you to join us for an exciting term of engaging and thought-provoking events.

Register for all our events here.

 

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Global Majority writers are defined as:

  • Writers who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the Global South, and/or have been referred to as ‘ethnic minorities’.

Underrepresented writers are defined as:

  • Writers from Black, Asian, or other ethnic minority groups.
  • LGBTQ+ writers.
  • Writers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds or who identify as working-class.
  • Care leavers.
  • Writers with disabilities (i.e. ‘a physical or mental impairment that has long-term negative effects on a person’s ability to carry out normal daily activities’ (Equality Act, 2010). This can include neurodiversity).
  • Immigrants or refugees.

Life-writing is defined as:

  • Writing that includes elements of biography, autobiography, memoirs, letters, diaries, journals, anthropological data, oral testimony, eye-witness accounts, biopics, plays and musical performances, obituaries, scandal sheets, and gossip columns, blogs, and social media such as Tweets and Instagram stories. It is not only a literary or historical specialism but is relevant across the arts and sciences and can involve philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, ethnographers and anthropologists.
  • For examples of life-writing/life-writers, see our current/previous event listings.

Applications for the programme will open in Hilary 2025. For updates and more information, please sign-up for the OCLW newsletter or contact Dr Eleri Anona Watson.

To achieve these goals and ensure the Programme remains sustainable for years to come, we need your support. To make a donation or learn more about how you can support the Programme, please contact Dr Kate Kennedy.