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decibel

Announcing the third decibel Penguin prize for new writers
We are calling for entries that explore the experience of having a mixed heritage. The prize is a collaboration between decibel, an Arts Council England initiative dedicated to promoting diversity in the arts, and Penguin Books. The winning stories will published in a Penguin Anthology in November 2008.

The competition calls for non-fiction entries between 400 and 4000 words in length, on the experience of having a mixed heritage, whether it’s the author’s own experience or the experience of another person. Entries are welcome from any UK residents. There is no age limit for the authors, although they must not have had a full-length book published.

The closing date for entries is 7 April 2008. An application form can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

What is decibel
decibel is an Arts Council England initiative which works to support and raise the profile of artists of African, Asian and Caribbean descent in England. Comprising a cross art-form programme of projects and events, decibel was launched in 2003 and is funded until 2008.

Why was decibel launched?
Diversity is one of the Arts Council’s five ambitions for the arts and celebrating diversity is one of the priorities in Our Agenda for 2006-2008. The decibel initiative was launched in 2003 in recognition that Black and minority ethnic (BME) artists and arts organisations are under-represented in the arts. By focusing on the work of BME artists we hope to create a more level playing field.

What does decibel do?
decibel seeks to improve the representation and participation of African, Asian and Caribbean artists in the arts sector by developing the arts market, through strategic interventions.

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