Crenham Award

Writing course pupil smiling on sofa

Arvon’s Crenham Award enables vulnerable and marginalised young people and adults to be mentored by highly respected authors on a week-long Arvon writing retreat.

The Crenham Award honours the vision of Arvon’s co-founder, the late John Moat, to increase access to literature and creative writing for marginalised young people and adults. We believe that immersing yourself in creative writing nourishes the imagination, and deepens the connection to self and to the world, helping to create new possibilities and change.

The name Crenham comes from the home that he shared with his wife Antoinette for nearly fifty years. Nestled in a steep, wooded valley in north Devon, Crenham Mill was John’s retreat and a special place that inspired his artistic endeavour.

Join us by making a donation, and we’ll keep you updated on the creative journey of the beneficiaries.

“The space to write, guided by published authors, was invaluable. Participants were encouraged to pursue excellence, to stretch the limits of their writing ability. This wasn’t diversionary, time-filling activity but real art – challenging and ambitious. We are excited by the idea of a three year partnership with Arvon. We can’t wait to see the work that comes out of it!”

—Peter Naylor, the Coordinator of the programme