It aims to inspire, develop and connect writers across the Commonwealth.

As the Commonwealth Foundation’s cultural programme, Commonwealth Writers works in partnership with international literary organisations, the wider cultural industries and civil society to help writers develop their craft.

[1] Partners include the BBC World Service, the British Council, English PEN, Granta, Hay Festival, the Prince Claus Fund, the Sigrid Rausing Trust, the Brunel University African Poetry Prize, and others.

The prize is open to Commonwealth citizens aged 18 or over.

The prize aims to bring writing from these countries to the attention of an international audience.