We are currently seeking London-based artists and arts organisations to apply to be part of the Deptford Literature Festival programme. Taking place on Saturday 29 March 2025 at various locations around Deptford, Deptford Literature Festival will feature performances, readings, workshops and more, with activities led by local writers and creatives. 

We have between  3-5 open commissions of up to £750 available to writers, artists, arts and community organisations based in London to deliver activity as part of the festival; with a preference for people and organisations based in Deptford and the borough of Lewisham, or delivering activity with strong connections to Deptford or Lewisham. 

Commissions could include: writing workshops, readings, community engagement, performances, talks, walks, participatory sessions, cross-arts activity, local heritage activity, or whatever literature activity you think will connect with our audiences.

The only stipulations are that activity takes place on Saturday 29 March at the festival and is literature based. We also have a preference toward artists and organisations based in  Deptford and Lewisham, and/or for activity with a clear connection to the area.

To apply, please send a proposal of no more than 2 sides of A4 OR an audio or video file of no longer than 8 minutes. 

The proposal should include:

• Brief information about you/your organisation
• Links to examples of your previous work
• An outline of your idea and how you plan to deliver it
• A brief budget outlining your costs/fees
• Planned location / venue for your activity and whether this is confirmed
• Any technical considerations
• Description of how your activity meets the remit of the festival
• Audience(s) you think will engage with your activity
   

The Festival will be able to offer:

• Space at Deptford Lounge to host commissioned activity. Alternatively, your activity can take place in other locations in Deptford. Please state in your proposal the planned location. If you are not planning on using Deptford Lounge, please let us know whether you have approached the venue(s) to confirm if they’d be willing to participate and ensure you factor any venue hire costs into your budget.
• Marketing and communications support through Spread the Word’s marketing channels, mailing list and a Festival programme. 
• BSL interpreters for your event

Deadline: 10am, Friday 29 November 

Commissions will be decided by a panel of the festival producers and applicants will hear back by Friday 6 December. The festival producers reserve the right to amend the terms of the open call depending on funds available and other operational considerations.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact festival@spreadtheword.org.uk