The Quebec Writers’ Federation launched the Fresh Pages Diversity Initiative in 2019 to create opportunities for promising writers and playwrights who, because of their ethnic or racial profile, have faced systemic and/or financial barriers to engaging in professional development activities. Our goal is to give a select group of literary artists working in English additional training, skills, and professional credentials to help level the playing field and improve their career opportunities.

The program consists of the following components:

• The Mairuth Sarsfield Mentorship is designed to help aspiring qualifying* writers and playwrights to develop their literary writing. More information
• Writing Workshop Scholarships are open to qualifying* writers and playwrights who have not previously enrolled in a QWF workshop. Each scholarship recipient is entitled to participate in a workshop of their choosing for free. A small bursary is also available to help offset related costs (e.g., for childcare services or travel). Those who receive scholarships also receive a free one-year membership in QWF. More information
• The Guest Curatorship at the Words & Music Show is open to a qualifying* writer or literary performer, who will help curate an edition of the Words & Music Show with the help of a mentor. More information
• The Editorial Mentorship at carte blanche is open to a qualifying* writer, who will help edit a section or oversee production of an issue of carte blanche, QWF’s digital literary magazine. More information

*For the purpose of this initiative, a “qualifying” candidate indicates a Quebec resident who is Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour.

For details contact Lori Schubert.