La School for Young Writers of Andalusia It reopens its doors with a new call for applications aimed at boys and girls who want to take a further step in their passion for writingThe initiative focuses on those who are beginning to explore poetry and storytelling and are looking for a space in which to train with professional support.
Driven by the Department of Culture and Sports of the Andalusian GovernmentThrough the Andalusian Agency of Cultural Institutions and the Andalusian Center for Letters, this school has established itself as a benchmark in the emerging young adult literature from the community, combining a demanding selection process with an intensive week of training in the middle of summer.
2026 Call for Proposals: Who can participate and until when
The new edition of the School for Young Writers of Andalusia 2026 It is aimed at young people between the ages of 12 and 20 who live in the community and are interested in creative writing. The submission period begins on January 8, one day after the publication of the call in the Official Gazette of the Junta de AndalucÃa (BOJA, number 3 of January 7), and remains open until February 10.
The process management is the responsibility of Andalusian Agency of Cultural InstitutionsThis call for applications is framed within the activities of the Andalusian Center for Letters. The program seeks to identify and support new literary voicesoffering them an opportunity to share their texts and access specific training.
Interested individuals can choose to participate in the following modalities: poetry y storyalways within the established age limits. No prior experience or publications are required, so both beginners and those who already write regularly are welcome in this program.
The call is directed to the entire Andalusian territory and prioritizes participation via electronic means, taking advantage of the tools of the Electronic Window of the Regional Government of Andalusia to facilitate the process, especially among younger people.
Types, age ranges and text requirements
The call for applications distinguishes three age groups in each of the categories of poetry and story: Of 12 to 14 years, 15 to 17 years and 18 to 20 yearsThis division allows jobs to be assessed based on the life and educational stage of each applicant.
In the case of the poetry, it is required that the originals have a minimum length of 30 verses and a maximum of 60 versesThe texts can address any topic, as long as they are original works and have not been awarded or published previously.
For the mode of storyThe bases set a length of between 2.000 and 10.000 wordsAs in poetry, the theme is totally freeThis opens the door to a wide variety of proposals: from intimate stories to fantastic tales, including realistic, humorous or social narratives.
Participants must submit only one work per category, complying with the format and extension requirements included in the call for entries. The objective is to ensure a certain homogeneity when evaluating the works, without limiting the diversity of styles or creative freedom.
Application submission and delivery methods
The Andalusian Regional Government recommends that applications be processed preferably via electronic means through the Electronic Administration Window (VEA), accessible from the institutional portal. This channel allows for convenient and quick registration of documentation, without the need for travel.
It is also possible to submit the application in any official recordboth from the Andalusian Regional Government and from other administrations that share a registration system. In these cases, the terms and conditions specify that the applicant must send a email to the address provided by the Andalusian Agency of Cultural Institutions, attaching the presentation receipt for record purposes.
Literary works must accompany the application according to the guidelines established in the call for submissions, which details the file format, how to identify the texts, and the required supporting documentation. Agency sets a maximum of four months from the closing of the deadline (February 10) to issue and notify the resolution.
The official reference for the call for applications is found in the COLORThis guarantees the legal security of the process and allows for transparent consultation of all details, both regarding participation and selection.
Evaluation of the works and selection of participants
The submitted texts will be analyzed by a valuation committee Composed of individuals connected to the world of books and literary creation, with proven experience, this collegiate body is responsible for reviewing works and deciding which proposals will be accepted into the school.
The composition of that commission will be made known through the publication of the corresponding resolution in the website of the Andalusian Center for LettersThis ensures that participants know who is on the jury and reinforces the sense of transparency throughout the process.
After reviewing the submissions, the committee will select a total of 31 participants for the 2026 edition of the school. Furthermore, the possibility of including some outstanding texts in a new edition of the collection is being considered. 'Paper Letters', an editorial project linked to this initiative.
Publishing a selection of works allows us to give visibility for young authorssince his texts become part of a collective volume that circulates in cultural and educational environments, thus expanding the reach of his early creations.
An intensive week of literary training in July
The selected individuals will participate in a one week training course during the month of July. This intensive stay functions as a small literary residency in which the attendees live together, share readings and receive professional guidance on their writing.
The training is led by a prestigious facultyThe group is composed of writers and literature specialists who combine creative experience with pedagogical knowledge. During these days, workshops, guided readings, and practical sessions are offered to refine the participants' writing.
The program aims to equip young people with expressive techniques, narrative resources, and poetic tools that help them develop their own voice. It's not just about correcting a poem or a story, but about accompanying a process of personal and literary growth.
In addition to training sessions, the school offers a meeting place for boys and girls who share the same passion for writing. network of literary contacts and friendships It usually extends beyond the week of July and, in many cases, encourages continued writing practice.
History of the School and the future of its alumni
Since its first edition in 2002The Andalusian School for Young Writers has established itself as a stable project within the region's cultural landscape. Over the years, more than [number missing] applicants have taken the selection tests. 3.000 jóvenes, and a total of 586 participants have finally passed through its classrooms in the eighteen editions held to date.
Experience shows that the school acts as a promoter of literary careersMany people who were once students have continued to publish books, obtain scholarships and awards, or link their professional lives to the cultural and creative field.
Among the names that have appeared on the program are authors who have later been recognized in nationally renowned competitions. Examples cited include: finalists and winners of young poetry awardsas well as female writers who have won top-level narrative awards and have seen their works translated into other languages.
This journey reinforces the idea that the School for Young Writers is not just a one-off summer activity, but a platform for accessing the literary world and a starting point for trajectories that, over time, end up consolidating.
A commitment to emerging literature and young creative talent in Andalusia
With the opening of the 2026 call for applications, the Ministry of Culture and Sport once again emphasizes its commitment to literary education and for the promotion of young talent in Andalusia. The program is part of a broader strategy to support cultural creation and dissemination in the region.
The School for Young Writers functions as a space where participants can experiment, make mistakes, revise, and improve their writing with the help of professionals. This support is crucial for those who are beginning to take writing seriously. with greater seriousness and they want to explore how far they can go.
At the same time, the initiative contributes to renewing the Andalusian literary scene, fostering a breeding ground for new voices which, over time, becomes part of publishing circuits, festivals, awards, and various cultural projects. The connection between generations of writers is strengthened thanks to these kinds of programs.
The School of Young Writers of Andalusia confirms itself as a referent For those who, from adolescence to early adulthood, feel that writing is part of their life and seek an environment where they can grow, learn and make their work known with the support of a public institution.
