Short Description

Created in partnership with Slemani City of Literature, The INKubator is a virtual writers’ room connecting 5 writers from Slemani and 5 writers from Melbourne.This writers’ room will explore the process of creating a literary character. The writers will reflect their cities to the group through the original creation of a character that will inspire their colleagues in their sister City. Participants will work together to create a new work inspired by each other’s ideas, which will be published online and across Iraq, Australia and the Cities of Literature network.

The project has 4 stages:

  1. Creation: The 5 writers from Melbourne and 5 from Slemani draft a character based in the here and now of their country.
  2. Inspiration: Over 12 weeks each writer presents their character to the group in a hosted virtual writer’s room.  The presentation involves pictures, text and description to fully inspire the rest of the writers room.
  3. Connection: Each writer uses the inspiration from the other country to create a new short piece of writing
  4. Creation: The writers write a new piece of writing to be published online and across the countries of Iraq and Australia and across the UNESCO Cities of Literature network.

Eligibility

The INKubator is a virtual writers’ room connecting 5 writers from Slemani and 5 writers from Melbourne.

Submission Requirements

  • Personal Info
  • Brief description of the character
  • One-page Bio
  • Example of your work

How to Apply

Online Application

Program Benefits & Awards

Each participant will receive AUD$1500.

Entry Fee

None

Location

Online, Australia, Iraq

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 16 June 2025

Website Link: https://cityofliterature.com.au/the-inkubator/