Photo Credit: Fourth Wall Photography
In a new partnership announced on 10th February 2025, Jerwood Foundation has awarded HighTide theatre a total grant of £40,000 over two years to contribute to the Jerwood HighTide Writers Group. The group is HighTide’s paid writer development programme that gives six emerging writers from the East of England the opportunity to develop their craft over a 12 month programme and work towards the first draft of a full-length play. The group will be facilitated by leading playwright Kelly Jones and mentorship from her, along with guest facilitators will also be provided to give guidance on beginning a sustainable writing career in the long term. A key outcome for these writers will be readings of excerpts from their plays at the HighTide Rising festival.
Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee Jerwood Foundation said:
“I am delighted that Jerwood Foundation is supporting Jerwood HighTide Writers Group, which will enable HighTide Theatre to nurture emerging playwrights in the East of England. This two-year grant not only ensures the long-term sustainability and legacy of the programme but also underlines Jerwood’s ongoing commitment to support emerging talent in the arts in the UK.”
Lauren Clancy HighTide’s Interim CEO (maternity cover) said:
“Jerwood Foundation’s grant is transformational for HighTide’s writer development programme, supporting us in our pursuit to make the East of England a recognised seedbed of playwriting talent. With the grant contributing to the next two years of our selected writers group, Jerwood is investing in the playwrights of the future and enabling emerging talent to develop their craft through facilitation and mentorship from leading and established playwrights. The impact of Jerwood’s generous grant will be felt across the region, ensuring that regional voices are able to contribute to the wider ecology of the theatre industry.”
For more information please visit Hightide
February 10, 2025
