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2026
Co-organisers!

We are looking for young readers and writers, who want to create events, spaces and opportunities for young people through a
love of literature. 

At the very centre of what The Lit's mission has been since we kicked things off in 2017

has been our young co-organisers. We look for individuals from the ages of 14-19, from all walks of life, who are looking to take part in something fun and positive in their community. 

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Our co-organisers select the artists they want to come to the festival, create the social media content, run panel discussions, help design events, work with our media partners, take part in national ad campaigns and more, all the while receiving support from our parent organisation Waterford Youth Arts and their dedicated Festival Coordinator – the adult behind the scenes who makes sure that your creative vision is seen to. 

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We organise workshops, bi-weekly meetings, training sessions and more all so that you are fully equipped to run an exceptional festival for 2026. 

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This is your space to learn new skills, create events that you'd want to go to, join a network of creatives internationally striving to create community through creativity, and to make friends for life. 

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| DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 20th MARCH 2026 @ 23:59 IST

why join The Lit?

Get hands-on experience in arts management,

co-coordinating Ireland's only youth-led literature festival

Be part of an exclusive, passionate crew of young creatives & make friends for life

work with some of your creative heroes,

organise events

YOU'd want to go to

Get recognised for your hard work 

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Things we're
looking for

Literature Lovers

Whether you're a bona fide bookworm, film fanatic, theatre-nut, music guru or anything else, we want to hear from people who want to help shape Ireland's creative future by creating an exciting programme of events for young people.

Creative Changemakers

Writers, organisers, or someone who wants to be one of these things, we want world-builders to come and unleash their imaginations in Waterford City.

Someone Looking for their Tribe

We're looking for an individual who wants to find their people through creativity and learning. 

Bookclub * Open Mics * Performances * Readings * Q&A * Industry Talks * Outings * Merch * Media Training* Event Management* New Experiences*Friendship*Meet Your Heroes*

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What does
comm-Lit-ment look like?

Co-Organiser Meetings

Biweekly Meetings starting in May 2026, running until the Festival Weekend

A key component of our structure is having meetings every two weeks where we plan events, learn new techniques on inclusive arts organising, and play. Sometimes, we have snacks!

The Lit Summer School

Six Saturdays July to August*

This is a new part of our programme where we give our co-organisers exclusive access to industry professionals who help you develop programming and creative instincts ahead of the festival weekend.

*further details TBC – funding dependent

The Lit Festival

9th-11th October 2026

This is where it all comes together. The acts you've picked, the events you've organised and your hard work pays off. You run the weekend.

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Join us!

Birthday
Day
Month
Year

If you are over 18, you can skip this!

Do you speak Irish?
Yes
No

You do not have to speak Irish to join The Lit!

Your hobbies, your pets, your favourite foods, your least favourite subject in school, what your dreams are, we want to hear it all!

Let us know if you want to organise events, if you're looking for something different to do over the summer holidays, meet new friends, exchange ideas with people from different counties etc.

This is your superpower, the thing that you think you're amazing at! That makes you proud of yourself. That you bring to a team, and you know you can make that group stronger.

It could be a poetry workshop with your favourite writer, a music event with a local band, or creative writing workshops! You decide.

Are you available to participate in a co-organiser workshop on 7th/8th April 2026?
Yes
No

The workshop will be 90 minutes and we will play some games and get to know YOU in a group setting.


If you are available for only 1 date, please select YES and we will coordinate a date that works for you.

Are you available to participate in fortnightly/biweekly meetings to discuss and plan events for the 2026 Festival?
Yes
No

Co-organiser meetings are essential to the planning of The Lit Festival. It's where you get to work with your co-organisers in real time, can get mentorship and support from The Lit Coordinator, try new skills, play games and generally hang out.


Dates of meetings will be announced shortly after applicants are selected.

Are you interested in / available to participate in our summer school series?
Yes
No

Our Summer School is a new programme feature.

We will bring in top creatives in to work with our young co-organisers, provide industry insights, give creative briefs, and help strengthen the team.

This will be run in person on Saturdays in July and August from 11am-6pm in Waterford City. Indicate if you'd be interested/available – this is not a hard commitment just yet!

Final details TBD

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