Tresoar is looking for five talented, emerging Frisian writers with an ambitious plan for a modern and original literary work in Frisian! By providing guidance and financial support, Tresoar offers these writers the opportunity to develop their concept into a Frisian novel over the course of a few years. The ultimate goal is to create a bestseller that will be published in the new Frisian literary series: the Gielegou Rige.
A new boost for Frisian literature
The Frisian language boasts a rich literary tradition and a strong literary network, which supports the language’s continued survival. However, the group of prose writers is aging, and output is declining. Moreover, Frisian literature often struggles to reach a broad readership. Tresoar aims to reach a wider audience by supporting talented writers and engaging a younger demographic of readers in Frisian-language literature. In doing so, Tresoar seeks to strengthen the Frisian literary landscape, connecting everyone from writers to readers.
The Gielegou Rige
The books written as part of this project will be published in a new Frisian literary series: the Gielegou Rige. ‘Gielegou’ is the Frisian name for the golden oriole. It is a rare songbird with a distinctive call. The name gielegou (literally ‘yellow jay’) refers to the golden-yellow plumage but also serves as an onomatopoeia for the sound and melody the bird produces: it sings its own name. These characteristics reflect the kind of talent we are seeking for this project: writers with a unique voice and a personal style.
Open Call
Starting today, debut authors and emerging writers can apply for this new writing grant. Full details – including eligibility criteria – can be found on the Tresoar website. The writers – who are being evaluated by an independent committee of experts – will be announced in early November during a festive literary gathering as part of Fryske Boekewike (Frisian Book Week). Following this, they will work on a book for the duration of the project (2027–2029). Tresoar aims to present the first books in the Gielegou Rige series in 2029.
For the Gielegou Rige series, Tresoar is collaborating with participating publishers. Tresoar is the project lead and involves other organizations in its implementation. The Province of Friesland and the Dutch Foundation for Literature have made the project financially possible.
