Call for Applications
Are you a person of colour interested in writing about architecture?
New Architecture Writers (N.A.W.) is a free programme for emerging critics offering a small group the opportunity to participate in a series of talks, workshops, tours, writing briefs and other activities, all led by acclaimed editors, architects, journalists, curators and broadcasters. Started in 2017, N.A.W. has since become a platform for new writing about architecture and cities. N.A.W. is directed by Thomas Aquilina and Tom Wilkinson with support from the Architecture Foundation and the Architectural Review.
Apply:
To apply, send a short CV and an original piece of writing using the online application form below. The deadline for applications is 16 February.After the deadline the applications will be long-listed by N.A.W., then shortlisted with the help of two external moderators. The shortlisted applicants will then be interviewed.
Brief:
Your brief is to write a short article on a contemporary issue for an architectural audience. This piece should tell a story, whether political, social, economic, or environmental, in a way that informs and engages the reader. You should identify a specific subject with relevance to architecture and draw out stimulating conclusions.
Your word count is just 500 words, so succinctness is key. Please see below for our judging criteria.
Eligibility:
This year, the eligibility requirements and application process have been revised. Applicants must be:
- People of colour.
- Aged 30 or under, or be within five years of receiving your most recent educational qualification.
- Resident in London, i.e. your home address be within the M25.
- Able to commit to meeting in person roughly one evening per fortnight. In addition, applicants have to complete written briefs, which will be set approximately every six weeks throughout the programme, and contribute to up to two live events. The latter will involve public speaking.
We assess written submissions according to the following criteria:
1. Ideas
Is the piece telling us something interesting, exciting, and new? Are the ideas it conveys important and timely? Is it focused on a specific case study or example rather than trying to cover an entire topic in 500 words?
2. Argument
Is the piece well structured? Does it have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Does the argument flow logically? Does it persuade the reader?
3. Expression
Is the writing sophisticated and engaging? Does it require proofreading? Is it written for a wide audience, without jargon?
Thanks to our collaborators:
New Architecture Writers thanks the many collaborators who help run the programme, especially Coffey Architects and We Made That for regularly hosting us, and N.A.W. advisory board member Lesley Lokko, whose recent RIBA Gold Medal is a recognition of her transformational achievements and also of the power of architectural writing.