The Programme
The programme runs biennially for three editions between 2017 and 2022 supporting a total of nine individuals, three Fellowships per edition. Successful poets each receive £15,000 to support a year of Fellowship, during which they are matched with a core mentor and have further access to a range of advisers and critical friends to support their developing practice.
The year-long Fellowships invest in the process and practice of making poetry, rewarding individuals who are making, or are capable of making, a significant contribution to a community of poetry. A distinctive part of the Fellowships is that they provide an open space for poetic practice, with no expectation of published work or performed events as a result of the award.
Most of all, it allows them to gain confidence and to reach a new stage in their careers. The Fellowships also offer an opportunity to engage in critical conversations about what poetry can be and is today. We are looking to identify and encourage those who may not normally consider applying for development opportunities, awards, or prizes. Nominations were made by a pool of over 200 specialists nationally including poets, publishers, editors, literary development agencies, artists, funders, and festival organisers.
In 2021 the selection panel included poet Pascale Petit; poet and writer Joelle Taylor; writer, performer, and Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellow 2019/20 Yomi Ṣode, Jan Kofi-Tsekpo, Relationship Manager, Literature for Arts Council England; Jon Opie, Deputy Director of Jerwood Arts; and Nathalie Teitler, Project Manager for Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships.
The Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellows 2021-22 are: Dzifa Benson, Jamie Hale and Romalyn Ante
They join 2019-20 Fellows: Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Anthony Joseph and Yomi Ṣode; and 2017-18 Fellows: Raymond Antrobus, Jane Commane and Jackie Hagan.
