Connecting Emerging Literary Artists (CELA) is an international talent development project co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the EU. CELA connects emerging writers from 11 European countries with emerging translators through masterclasses, sample translations, mentorship, presentations and live meetings. The project aims to offer literary artists from small language markets in Europe a level playing field to establish an international career, reach an international audience and develop their professional skills.

CELA is looking for emerging writers from Czech Republic, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Slovenia to participate in the second cycle of its current project, taking place between October 2025 and July 2027.

The application deadline for each country varies. Please check each hosting partner organisation for more information.
Next Page Foundation (Bulgaria)
Book Arsenal (Ukraine)
deBuren and Passa Porta (Belgium) deadline: July 10th
Scuola Holden (Italy)
Krakow Festival Office (Poland)
FILIT (Romania)
KROKODIL (Serbia)
GOGA (Slovenia)
Escuela de Escritores (Spain)
Czech Literary Centre (Czech Republic)
Wintertuin (The Netherlands) deadline: July 10th

What do we offer

• translation of a sample from your most recent book into 10 European languages;
• publication of this sample on the CELA website and other literary platforms across Europe;
• international online masterclasses on relevant professionalisation topics;
• mentorship programme;
• professional communication tool kit with headshot and artist bio and an online portfolio;
• 1 live national team meeting in [city of organisation];
• 1 live project-wide work week in Brussel, Belgium (June 3-6 2026);
• 1 visit to a literary festival in one of the participating countries to present your sample text together with your translator;
• connection to an international network of more than 300 writers, translators and literary organisations in Europe.

What do we ask

• you are a writer of prose (fiction and non-fiction both apply) in [native language];
• you have published a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 3 works of prose (fiction or nonfiction both apply) with a national quality publishing house;
• you have preferably followed literature and/or writing courses and have considerable writing skills, experience and expertise;
• your (published) work has not been translated into more than 1 of the participating languages;
• you are willing and able to prioritize your participation in this project, you can make the time and (head)space to dedicate focus to the activities and you are able and willing to communicate with partner organisations and other participants (the common project language is English).
   

Do you not match these criteria at this moment? Sign up for the CELA newsletter to receive updates on following edition of the CELA project.

Participation in this project is free of charge, but not free of commitment. CELA covers travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for live activities.