Cultureword is a writing development organisation based in Manchester, providing opportunities for new and aspiring writers to develop their talent and potential.

We deliver a dynamic programme of creative writing and literature events including open mics, festivals, workshops, author signings and more. As a National Portfolio Organisation we receive funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The National Black and Asian Writers Conference is our key biennial event platforming crucial discussion and debate about the state of the UK’s publishing industry and representation for Global Majority writers.

We support emerging writers on their journey to publication through both in-house opportunities as well as a broad network of connections and partnerships to help writers succeed.

Cultureword is, above all, a thriving community. Our writers collective Identity Live! have a growing reputation on the Manchester scene for captivating poignant performances.

Staff & Trustees

Staff

Our team of published writers and creative professionals has over 40 years of combined experience delivering high quality community engagement activities and writing workshops.

Executive

Peter Kalu

Peter Kalu

Chief Executive and General Manager

Pete is Cultureword’s Chief Executive. He has a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University and is a prize-winning playwright, poet, novelist and essayist. He was awarded a Society of Authors Travelling Scholarship Award in 2024 in which year he also became a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund.  He has 30 years’ experience of delivering creative writing workshops for Global Majority writers.  

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Programme

Ella Otomewo

Ella Otomewo

New Writing Coordinator

Ella Otomewo is a poet and performer who thrives on collaboration. She has an MA in Poetry from Manchester Writing School at MMU. Ella is the New Writing Coordinator at Cultureword and is the main facilitator of Identity Writers Group.

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Executive

Radhaika Kapur

Radhaika Kapur

Deputy Artistic Director

Radhaika Kapur has held roles in project management, communications and producing at various Manchester arts charities since 2019. A poet with an MA in English Literature, Radhaika has been writing and performing for over 10 years, with her pieces featuring in UK and US publications.

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Programme

Nina Roach

Nina Roach

Finance and Administration Manager

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Programme

Mahboobeh Rajabi

Mahboobeh Rajabi

Small Press Archives Digital Literature Coordinator

Mahboobeh Rajabi is a Digital Literature Coordinator at Cultureword as well as a creative entrepreneur and producer. Her work explores the intersection of storytelling, history, and technology to bring underrepresented narratives to life. With a background in digital media and community engagement, she is passionate about Hard Pressed, a project mapping radical publishing presses in Manchester and building on the legacy of the Commonword Archive. Mahboobeh is committed to using digital tools to connect past and present through creative expression.

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Trustees

Our Trustees bring a wide variety of experience and backgrounds to the Cultureword Board, supporting our staff team with effective planning and decision-making.

Laura Stewart

Laura Stewart

Chair

Laura has over 20 years experience of working with vulnerable children across Manchester. This has included management roles with alternative education providers, in youth offending and in secure children’s homes. She currently promotes diversity in children’s literature and runs a pop-up book shop that reflects this. She is also working on a feminist reinterpretation of the Harlem renaissance.

Muli Amaye

Muli Amaye

Trustee

Muli Amaye is a novelist and short story writer. She gained a PhD in Creative Writing at Lancaster University, UK. Her interests very much centre around women, memory, migration, diaspora and belonging. She has taught creative writing in tertiary education in the UK, Northern Iraq and Trinidad and Tobago since 2006 and has worked in the community for over 20 years. She still gets inspired and excited at the opportunity to teach and learn. Her debut novel, A House With No Angels, was published by Crocus Press in 2019.

Melvin Burgess

Melvin Burgess

Trustee

Bethan Galliers

Bethan Galliers

Trustee

Bethan has over 30 years experience of community development work in inner city communities in the Northwest of England. She currently works for the NHS in Manchester as a Health Development Coordinator, bringing health and social care professionals, local organisations and communities together to create healthier, stronger neighbourhoods.

Over the years she has worked with a variety of community associations and has a particular interest in fostering and adoption as well as access to the arts for people with learning disabilities.

Amy Stuart

Amy Stuart

Trustee

Amy Stuart has worked in the Media industry for over 15 years.  She commissioned and managed a variety of content and campaigns for BBC Childrens, Factual and Sport  working on brilliant shows and events such as Green Planet, Horrible Histories and the Olympics.

Having completed a BA Hons in Creative Arts at Bath Spa University she has maintained a love of creative writing, which is why she’s so proud to be part of Cultureword

Mellatra Tamrat

Mellatra Tamrat

Trustee

Jobs & Opportunties

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