The Laureate for Irish Fiction will be announced in January 2015. From this date until 2018 the Laureate will engage with the public on a number of large and small scale events which will take place across the country.
The Laureate will be awarded by the Arts Council to an Irish writer of national and international distinction. The honour will be used to promote Irish literature nationally and internationally and to encourage the public to engage with high quality Irish fiction.The Laureate for Irish Fiction has been developed by the Arts Council and is supported by University College Dublin (UCD), New York University (NYU) and the Irish Times. The Laureate will have a three-year term. Over the period, he or she will teach creative writing to students at University College Dublin and New York University, will spend time developing his or her own work, and will participate in a number of major, public events and promotions. The Laureate will receive a total of €150,000 over the three years.
Nominations
The Arts Council will coordinate the nomination process which will include key members of the literary community as well as a spread of national organisations. From 30 July–3 October nominations will be requested from a variety of literary organisations, arts organisations, libraries, book clubs as well as individuals who have a strong literary background.
Selection panel
A selection panel will consider the nominees and make its final decision before Christmas. The selection panel will include high profile national and international writers as well as an editor of international repute.
Further information