Nigeria-Scotland Poetry Exchange 2026
Applications open: 6 August 2026
Deadline: 31 August 2026
About Crossing Tongues
Open Arts Development Foundation and the Hausa International Book and Arts Festival (HIBAF), in partnership with Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature and Push the Boat Out, invite applications for Crossing Tongues, a new international poetry exchange connecting bilingual Hausa-English poets from Nigeria with poets from Scotland writing in English, Scots and Scottish Gaelic.
Crossing Tongues invites poets to explore translation as artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared creative practice - not only as language conversion.
About the Opportunity
One Nigerian poet will be selected to participate in an international exchange programme in Scotland that includes:
- A 10-day stay in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Participation in Push the Boat Out International Poetry Festival
- Meetings and exchanges with Scottish poets, translators, publishers and literary practitioners
- Collaborative translation and writing sessions with a Scottish poet
- Co-design and facilitation of a translation workshop during the Hausa International Book and Arts Festival (HIBAF) in Nigeria
- Co-creation of a digital publication documenting the exchange and creative process
The selected poet will receive an artist fee, with all approved travel, accommodation, visa and residency costs fully covered.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be resident in Nigeria
- Have an active poetry practice
- Write in both Hausa and English
- Demonstrate a strong interest in translation, multilingual writing or oral literary traditions
- Be available to participate in all project activities between September and December 2026
- Hold the necessary travel documentation required for international travel (international passport)
We welcome applications from emerging and established poets alike.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- The quality and originality of your poetry
- Your engagement with Hausa and English as creative languages
- Your interest in collaboration and artistic exchange
- Your commitment to translation or multilingual literary practice
- Your willingness to participate fully in the residency and public programme
How to Apply
Send one PDF to info@openartsworld.org with the subject line Crossing Tongues Residency, including:
- A short artist biography and a statement of interest describing your practice and why you would like to participate in the residency (one page)
- Sample of writing: poetry in Hausa, English, or bilingually (maximum 2 pages)
- A CV (maximum two pages) including links to published work or performance recordings
- A copy of international passport data page
info@openartsworld.org - Subject: Crossing Tongues Residency
About the Partners
Open Arts Development FoundationA Nigerian arts organisation supporting artists through festivals, residencies, publishing, research and international cultural exchange.
Hausa International Book and Arts Festival (HIBAF)Nigeria's leading indigenous language literary festival, celebrating Hausa literature, translation, storytelling and contemporary artistic practice.
Edinburgh UNESCO City of LiteraturePromotes literature as a tool for creativity, dialogue and international collaboration while supporting writers and readers across the world.
Push the Boat OutEdinburgh's international poetry festival, bringing together poets and audiences through performances, workshops and conversations that celebrate the diversity of contemporary poetry.
British CouncilThe UK's international culture and education organisation. It supports peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Crossing Tongues is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible programme. We encourage applications from poets of all genders, ages, ethnicities, faiths, socio-economic backgrounds and lived experiences.
If you require reasonable adjustments during the application process or throughout the programme, please let us know in your application and we will work with you to support your participation.
For Enquiries
Habiba Malumfashi, Project Lead
Subject: Crossing Tongues Residency
Email Habibabiba@openartsworld.org