About Live Literature

Applications are now closed for funding events in 2020. Applications for events in early 2021 will open in late Summer/early Autumn. Read the eligibility criteria here.

Live Literature brings reading and writing to the heart of Scotland’s communities by part-funding author events. Each year Live Literature supports around 1,200 author visits, reaching approximately 50,000 people across all 32 local authorities in Scotland. As part of the wider Live Literature programme, we also fully-fund a number of schools residencies and showcase the work of hundreds of professional authors in our Live Literature directory.

The reach of Live Literature is exceptional; we've supported events in schools, parks, prisons, adult education classes, drop-in centres for homeless people, hospital wards, care homes, writing groups, book groups and local festivals.

We give more than 600 writers, poets, spoken word artists, playwrights, storytellers, screenwriters, illustrators, graphic novelists, comic book writers and cartoonists the opportunity to meet wider audiences and to earn fees from their work.

'I think the Live Literature scheme is terrific. It is such a positive force in the way it enables opportunities for children and families all over Scotland to engage in literature-related events. It has been a huge pleasure to have participated in events and visits from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders and particularly rewarding to have been into schools, libraries and community centres where such events would be totally out of the question without Live Literature.'

Nick Sharratt, writer & illustrator