Pen to Print is Barking & Dagenham’s Arts Council England (ACE), Library National Portfolio Organisation (NPO).
Established by the library service the Pen to Print programme has been working in Barking & Dagenham since 2014 funded by Barking & Dagenham and Arts Council England. Becoming an ACE National Portfolio Organisation in 2018, we have just commenced our second period of NPO funding 2023 to 2026. As part of the library offer in our Community Hubs, Pen to Print is an established network of free writer support.
Offering advice guidance and collaboration with authors of all backgrounds and experience our priorities are writers from communities currently underrepresented in the wider publishing industry. Having established a regional network of writers we now reach audiences both nationally and internationally. To support this ambition we offer a multi-faceted free programme of activities, events, classes and workshops.
We welcome everyone to connect and collaborate with Pen to Print, Barking & Dagenham and our partners.
Here are some opportunities to do so:
Activity/ Event/ Workshop Proposals
Pen to Print encourages everyone in developing a career in the publishing industry and offers you the chance to learn how with us. As part of that we often give you the opportunity to develop your creative practice and work with Pen to Print by delivering sessions, whether you are an expert and worked in the industry for years, or just starting out on your career and looking for a chance to hone your skills.
We welcome any UK based creatives to work with us but particularly encourage those who are from the global majority, lower socio-economic backgrounds, LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodivergent or any other underrepresented communities.
If you have an idea for an event, class or workshop we would love to hear from you please download a Proposal Form and email it to us at pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk If you have any questions please contact us.
Community Commissions
Do you live or work in Barking & Dagenham? We would love to hear your ideas for celebrating notable dates in our corporate calendar.
The next themed month we are looking at programming is LGBTQ+ Month – February 2026. Following that will be Women’s Empowerment Month – March 2026, South Asian Heritage Month – July/August 2026, and Black History Month – October 2026 or indeed suggest an event for any other notable date you feel needs marking.
You can bid for activities that cost no more than £500. If you think you may need more funding please contact us to discuss your idea.
Whatever your experience, we would love to collaborate with you to support your idea for celebrating the stories tied to theses themed dates.
We welcome any UK based creatives to work with us but particularly encourage those who are from global majority, lower socio-economic backgrounds, LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodivergent or any other underrepresented communities.
Please complete the form in the link below and email any additional documents and images to pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk with the event title in the subject line.
If you have any questions please contact us at pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk
Opportunities with Our Partners
Discover opportunities to work and volunteer with our valued Pen to Print partners.
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham – Culture & Heritage Service
Curator: Cultural Programmes
Salary: £42,771 to £45,750
Apply by: 14 May 2026
Interview Date: Week Commencing 22 June 2026
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver ambitious, inclusive cultural programmes within the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham’s Culture and Heritage Service. Based at the Women’s Museum, you will lead the development of exhibitions, public programmes and community engagement that foreground lived experience, storytelling and representation, ensuring the museum’s work is relevant, responsive and rooted in the borough’s communities.
For more details, job description and how to apply visit: lbbd.gov.uk
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Arts Depot
Applications open for the 2026-27 Artist Residency Programme.
Apply by: 5pm on 26 May 2026
This year, Arts Depot are looking for 9 artists or companies to join their 2026-27 residency programme. Artists and companies at any stage in their career are welcome to apply. Whether you’re emerging, mid-career or established, if you have a new idea, you’re keen to explore, they want to hear from you.
This includes a Barking and Dagenham-based Artist Residency – With 2 spots reserved for an artist/company who is based or works in Barking and Dagenham.
Successful applicants will be given space, time and seed funding to develop a project at Arts Depot. Artists and companies on their residency programme will become members of their artist alumni network and will be offered a free place on all of their artist development workshops with industry professionals throughout the year.
Residencies run from September 2026 – September 2027. Successful applicants will receive:
- Up to four weeks of rehearsal space in Arts Depot Creation Space (this can be split over 12 months as suits your project)
- Work in progress / scratch performance opportunity (if required)
- £1,000 seed funding
- Mentorship / support from the Arts Depot team
- Access to hot desking / meeting space
- Professional development workshops
- Networking opportunities
To join FREE online information sessions for applicants with more information and an opportunity to ask questions – Book here: Tuesday 28 April, 6 – 7pm or Monday 18 May, 6-7pm.
For more details and how to apply visit: artsdepot.co.uk
Work Experience
We support students who study in Barking and Dagenham educational establishments with work experience opportunities. If you are interested in discovering what it is like to work in and arts organisation please do contact us to discuss work placements with Pen to Print.
Alina – Year 10 Work Experience March 2025
As expected, I worked a lot on the computer, which was my favourite part of the job. I became more comfortable using different programs and platforms, which helped me complete my tasks. I learned many new skills, such as laminating posters, creating a yearly calendar, designing business cards, calendars and posters. My work experience was very enjoyable and interesting because I got to try things I had never done before. Every day, I learned something new, which made the week exciting. One of the most enjoyable tasks was designing business cards. It was fun to be creative and learn new design skills. Also I really like to draw and create something new, so this task was the great for me.
Another important part of my work experience was the team I worked with. Everyone was friendly, supportive, and always ready to help. They made me feel welcome and made my time with them even better.
One of the most unexpected and valuable experiences was visiting a workshop, ‘Hear My Voice’, for women. During this very interesting workshop everyone had the opportunity to share their story. It was held simultaneously online and in-person, which showed me how well organised the team is. This event helped me understand how Pen to Print works and what its main goals are. I could see why people enjoy coming back to Pen to Print, and it was great to learn more about it.
Overall, my work experience was valuable. I learned new skills, gained confidence, and got to see how a real workplace operates. This week has motivated me to continue learning and improving.
