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 writers and playwrights to develop their literary writing. In 2024, the mentorship will go to a qualifying* writer of young adult literature who has already demonstrated an interest in literary writing. Applications for the 2024 mentorship are now open until October 16. 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
• Guest Curatorship at the Words & Music Show for a qualifying* writer or literary performer. More information
• Editorial Mentorship at carte blanche for a qualifying* writer for the spring/ summer issue of QWF’s literary journal. More information

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

For details contact Lori Schubert.