Celebrating 50 years of community and creativity at Manchester’s most inclusive writing group

Every story deserves to be heard.

That simple but overriding belief lies at the heart of Cultureword, a Manchester-based writing organisation that has spent decades helping people who might never otherwise get the opportunity to shine in the world of writing.

From underrepresented communities to new voices carving a path through the noise, Cultureword provides a place where difference is celebrated and every sentence matters.

Led by acclaimed writer and mentor Pete Kalu, Cultureword is creating a space where people can find their voices as writers and pursue their literary ambitions.

“Everybody has a story and their story deserves to be told,” said Pete.

“By developing these voices, we can add to the quality of life of communities in general, and in the long run, diversify literature.”

Cultureword

It’s a big vision, and one the team has been putting into action since the 1970s, when Cultureword started life as part of Commonword, a cooperative of radical creatives.

Cultureword has previously published work by Rosie Garland, Lemn Sissay, Zahid Hussain and Sherry Ashworth.

Today, it’s a powerful force in the Manchester literary scene and beyond.

Walk into a Cultureword workshop and you’ll find poets, playwrights and novelists from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all identities. The organisation has a clear mission: to uplift voices that are too often ignored by the mainstream publishing world.

“Cultureword made me realise that I was a writer and allowed me to expand the process of writing for myself and find there is healing,” said Melanie Williams, who found her confidence and craft through the programme.

That power of writing, and of community, comes up time and again when people talk about Cultureword.

“Cultureword services have provided a safe space to practice belonging, where I could be me and expect to go places just as I am,” said writer Shahireh Sharif.

Embracing Manchester’s diversity

Manchester is one of the UK’s most linguistically and culturally diverse cities, with more than 150 languages spoken in its schools alone.

Cultureword reflects that reality, creating a welcoming environment where heritage, identity, and experience are fuel for storytelling, not obstacles.

Despite the rich diversity of talent, the publishing industry remains skewed. As Pete explained: “The publishing industry has traditionally been very much a middle-class industry.”

That’s where Cultureword steps in.

Breaking the publishing industry norms

Through open calls, mentoring, workshops, readings, and development programmes, the organisation opens doors that are often shut to those without connections, resources, or cultural capital.

“Cultureword novelists writing group provided a space for me to write without censorship or questioning,” said Muli Amaye.

“Listening to the diverse writers from Manchester and Greater Manchester gave me the confidence to use my Northern voice and my Northern roots, knowing that they are as valid as any other writing hub.”

This kind of disruption is intentional,  and vital. As Pete put it, “Newness and difference always come through disrupters.”

It’s not just about fairness. It’s about quality. Cultureword helps nurture fresh, innovative work that shifts the literary landscape.

One of their most celebrated success stories is novelist Jennifer Makumbi. Her award-winning debut Kintu, now internationally renowned,  was born in Cultureword workshops. Her journey is proof of what happens when raw talent meets genuine support.

“Jennifer’s journey exemplifies what we’re about — helping writers take off and achieve great things,” said Pete.

For many who get involved at Cultureword, it’s more of a family than a career stepping stone.

Just ask Adam Lowe.

“The first and last word on writer development in Manchester”

“Cultureword is always the first and last word on writer development in Greater Manchester,” he said. “It really feels like a family, and they’ve been there for some of the best writers from the region, over the span of about 50 years. That’s an impressive feat.”

It’s not just about developing skills, either. It’s about sustaining people in the long run.

“One of my favourite things about Cultureword is that they focus on something writers seldom acknowledge, well-being and self-care,” said Halima Khatun.

“I recently attended a workshop involving meditation, free writing and exercise. Focusing on the writer as a whole was a refreshing break and left me motivated to take care of myself, and in turn, write better words.”

Writers from Cultureword’s network have gone on to win Arts Council grants, get their stories published, land book deals, and share their work on international stages.

“Since joining Identity last September my growth as a writer has accelerated,” said Lydia Williams. “Sharing work, receiving and giving feedback has strengthened my resilience. It’s given me confidence in my ability as a writer while keeping me grounded.”

“I always look forward to every workshop,” added Dipika Mummery. “I’m sure the Cultureword community has played a significant role in my writing successes, from getting short stories published to being shortlisted for novel writing awards.”

“We need to ensure that voices are heard”

For Pete and the team, the work is as much about cultural justice as it is about creativity. It’s about ensuring that the voices shaping the stories of our times come from every corner of society, not just the privileged few.

“We are inclusive by design,” Pete said. “We constantly reflect on our practices, even our own unconscious biases, to dismantle exclusivity.”

It’s this rigorous commitment that earned Cultureword a spot as a finalist in the Manchester Culture Awards 2024 for promoting equality and social justice.

“We feel we have been part of the generation of the cultural richness of Manchester,” said Pete. “And we want to keep growing that legacy.”

For many, that cultural richness is best seen in the people Cultureword supports.

“I love Cultureword in Manchester for embracing diversity and giving voices and identity to global majority writers,” said Annette Reis Dunne. “In my own experience, this unlocked my potential to become a published poet and author.”

“From the moment I stepped through its doors, Cultureword played a major role in supporting and developing my craft as a writer,” echoed Dipali Das.

“The passion that Cultureword shows for literature and its writers is truly wholesome and quietly radical,” added writer and performer Keisha Thompson.

“They’ve been way too humble about how instrumental they’ve been to the Mancunian literary scene and beyond.”

Cultureword is branching out to TV

Cultureword continues to innovate. Next on the horizon is a YouTube TV channel that will showcase the talent bursting out of Manchester — a new way to share stories, performances, interviews and ideas with the wider world.

It’s an exciting new chapter — but true to form, the team is just as focused on nurturing the people behind the words.

“I cherished my time with Cultureword,” said Elayne Ogbeta. “Thanks to Pete Kalu’s dedication to sharing diverse opportunities, numerous doors have opened for me. His commitment to nurturing writers has been instrumental in my growth.”

“I’ve come to think of Cultureword as a vital organ,” poet Eileen Pun said. “Literature in the UK simply wouldn’t be healthy, or even function, without the life force that Cultureword has discovered and sustained through its presence, community, and leadership.”

Cultureword doesn’t just talk about inclusivity — it lives it.

From its roots in Manchester to its growing national and international impact, this organisation is proof that with the right support, anyone can find their voice — and that every voice matters.

Find out more about Cultureword

Cultureword are based in Ancoats, and you can get in touch with the, by emailing them at [email protected] or giving them a call at 0161 832 3777

They are hosting a huge party to celebrate 50 years of helping writers flourish across Greater Manchester.

The Cultureword Party takes place on Wednesday, 28th May at 6.30pm at the Manchester Poetry Library. You can get tickets by clicking here

Find out more on Cultureword’s new website by clicking here