Arts House Group Launches New Literary Fellowship to Champion Emerging Writers in Singapore and Southeast Asia

Arts House Group (AHG), the organiser of the Singapore Writers Festival and custodian of some of the nation’s most iconic arts venues, has unveiled the Arts House Literary Fellowship: a milestone initiative designed to nurture published emerging writers in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Launched in association with the Singapore Writers Festival, the Fellowship offers a three-month residency at The Arts House at the Old Parliament, giving writers dedicated time and space to create, one-on-one mentorship with the Festival Director, financial support of S$4,000 per month, and opportunities to engage with regional festivals and cross-cultural exchanges. Fellows will also showcase their creative journey through a chapbook excerpt and a public sharing session.

The programme emphasises literary merit, originality, and regional collaboration, selecting fellows through recommendations from publishers and the literary community. The inaugural panel was led by Yong Shu Hoong, Festival Director of the Singapore Writers Festival.

Inaugural Fellows Announced

The first two fellows are Marylyn Tan and Myle Yan Tay.

• Marylyn Tan (Sept–Nov 2025), an award-winning poet and interdisciplinary artist, made history with her debut collection Gaze Back, the first book by a woman to win the Singapore Literature Prize for Poetry. Her residency will further explore themes of language, respectability, class, and power.
• Myle Yan Tay (Jan–Mar 2026), a novelist, playwright, and multidisciplinary artist, gained recognition with his debut novel catskull. His socially engaged storytelling spans prose, theatre, and comics, reflecting the evolving narratives of Southeast Asia.

A Collective Investment in the Future of Literature

The Fellowship is made possible by the support of inaugural donors Eva and Nilay Patel and Jennifer Lee Gek Choo, who share a deep commitment to nurturing Singapore’s literary landscape. Donors will be recognised on a commemorative plaque at The Arts House and invited to private sharing sessions with fellows.

For partnership opportunities and to support the Fellowship, contact: partnership@artshouse.sg