Emerging WriterS Patron Program

Each year, we put out a call across the archipelago for emerging writers to send us their stories. After receiving hundreds of submissions, an independent curatorial board selects aspiring novelists, poets, and playwrights from Indonesia's bustling cities and remote islands. Once selected, the emerging writers are invited to launch the Anthology at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.

This bilingual publication, the Anthology, represents a significant opportunity for emerging writers to have their work translated into English, opening doors to international opportunities for the first time. With over 1,212 submissions in 2019, the Emerging Writers Anthology Series has become one of Indonesia's most wide-reaching literary achievements, representing work from across the archipelago.

For its 2024 Program, with more guided submission guidelines, we received an impressive number of 1,346 stories. From Aceh to Papua, the storytelling on display from almost every corner of the Indonesian archipelago is truly remarkable. After detailed reading, conversation, debate, and a curator's meeting to discuss the qualities of each work, the curators have selected ten writers for this year's program from a pool of 449 entries.

All ten writers display exceptional talent and storytelling power. We invite you to support these emerging literary talents and help shape incredible careers as published authors while sustaining our community-building philosophy program. We are inviting you to donate to provide funding for the translation and publication of the 2024 Anthology, as well as airfares, accommodation, and honorarium. More importantly, your meaningful git will create a life-changing opportunity for a young person to learn, connect, and be inspired at our 2024 Festival, and help these fresh voices pave the way for future collaborations and exciting career opportunities through the universal language of literature.

To recognize your generosity, you'll have the exclusive chance to meet our emerging writers and patron family during the 2024 Festival, with your name featured in the 2024 Anthology and announced during the 2022 Anthology Book Launch, as well as displayed in the 2024 Program Book. Additionally, we offer a 25% discount on your 4-Day Festival Pass and invite you to our legendary Festival Opening Night Gala.