Creative Writing championing talent diversity

The Brunel International African Poetry Prize is a major annual poetry prize of £3000, aimed at the development, celebration and promotion of poetry from Africa. Professor Bernardine Evaristo launched the award in 2012 to revitalise African poetry, which at that time was almost invisible on the literary landscape. The prize planned to draw attention to this poetry and to encourage a new generation of poets who might one day become an international presence.

Find out more, view previous winners and read past work here.

Our annual literary festival held on campus brings together so many fantastic writers, poets, novelists and more to celebrate some of the creative work and local talent over a weekend of fun. 

In 2018 the theme of 'Outer Limits: Hidden Lives' challenged the many misconceptions of the outer boroughs of London, and offers a spotlight on the brilliant talent and the multiple vibrant voices that make up the creative community of the London Borough of Hillingdon.

Brunel University and the Union of Brunel Students have undertaken and funded a #LiberatedLibrary campaign to diversify our library and offer new books by authors from the global south, people of colour, female, LGBT+, and disabled authors. To see a full list of the books ordered please click here.

The campaign also resulted in a number of events and activities focused on highlighting and promoting the work of minorities in the literary world. From our ‘Dear White People’ event to discuss race and ethnicity in health, social care and higher education to the ‘Book Launch and Poetry Slam’ celebrating the outstanding work of our students.

We’ve have many high profile names involved in the series from Daljit Nagra to John Agards.