Crossing Tongues is an international poetry exchange connecting poets from Scotland and Nigeria through translation, creative collaboration and cultural immersion.

We are inviting one Scottish poet writing in English, Scots and/or Scottish Gaelic to undertake a 7-day residency in Nigeria, alongside the Hausa International Book & Arts Festival (HIBAF) in December.

The residency will create space for the poet to encounter Hausa literary and oral traditions, work collaboratively with a Nigerian Hausa–English poet, and explore how poetry moves between languages, cultures and forms.

What to expect
- 7-day residency in Nigeria 29th November – 6th December 2026
- Participation in the Hausa International Book & Arts Festival (HIBAF)
- Collaboration with a Nigerian Hausa–English poet
- Co-curated translation and poetry activities
- Workshops, readings and cultural exchange
- Engagement with Hausa literary and oral traditions
- Opportunities to meet Nigerian writers, artists and literary practitioners
- Co-created digital publication documenting the exchange

Who can apply?
We welcome applications from Scottish poets who:
- Are based in Scotland or have an established connection to Scotland’s literary community
- Write poetry in English, Scots and/or Scottish Gaelic
- Have a creative practice and some experience of public presentation, performance, publication or literary collaboration
- Have an interest in translation, multilingual poetry or cross-cultural literary exchange
- Are interested in engaging seriously with Hausa literary and cultural traditions
- Are available to travel to Nigeria for the 7-day residency and associated programme activities in December

What will the residency involve?
The residency provides:
- International travel to Nigeria
- Accommodation for the duration of the residency
- Per diem / living allowance
- Local transportation associated with the programme
- Participation in HIBAF
- Access to the Crossing Tongues programme and partner networks
- £750 Artist fee
- Opportunities for collaboration with Nigerian poets and literary practitioners