Welcome

The Arkbound Foundation is a charity that aims to widen access to literature and improve diversity within publishing.

We run projects that empower people from disadvantaged backgrounds and deprived communities to get their voices heard, supporting books with important social and environmental themes. We mentor aspiring authors so that they can produce books that are widely read and which dispel negative stereotypes, whilst seeking to build resilience for the most excluded communities through the power of literature and journalism.

Based in Glasgow and Bristol, our founding ethos is about empowerment, positive transformation and accessibility. Please browse through our website to find out more.

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Latest News

Fife-based author Sara Cullen has been nominated for the prestigious 2027 Carnegie Medal for Writing for her debut novel Blood Red Sky, a powerful exploration of Scotland's youth justice system and the experiences of young people in care and custody. Praised by leading writers including Margaret McDonald, Graeme Armstrong and Darren McGarvey, the novel has reached schools and young offenders institutions across the UK, including all Scottish HMP/YOIs. Sara has also been engaging directly with young people through school and prison visits, encouraging important conversations about inequality, justice and life in custody.

Project Spotlight

Arkbound Foundation was been named a finalist in the Social Enterprise Scotland Awards, in the Building Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice category, recognising its commitment to empowering underrepresented voices and tackling social exclusion. As the charity reaches its 10th anniversary in 2027, it celebrates a year of significant achievements, including publishing 12 books, expanding its prison writing mentorship programme, and reaching around 700 people through public events alongside dozens more through workshops and mentoring. These milestones reflect a decade of growing impact through literature, creativity and community engagement.

Opportunities

We are the UK's only independent charity concerned with improving accessibility and diversity within literature and journalism. We welcome donations and sponsors, as well as new volunteers.

Find out more