Vadstena Municipality is investing in the next generation of storytellers by launching a new annual writing scholarship for young people. The initiative is part of the municipality’s ongoing commitment to supporting creativity and youth participation in cultural life, while also becoming an important part of Sweden’s Year of Literature 2026.
The scholarship is open to young people aged 16–25 with a connection to Vadstena and aims to encourage literary ambition and creative writing. In addition to a SEK 5,000 grant, the recipient will take part in a mentorship programme including a writing course and one-on-one guidance from author Marcus Jarl.
The scholarship will be awarded during Vadstena’s annual book fair, giving young writers the opportunity to develop their craft, receive professional feedback and gain visibility within a wider literary community.
– I’m incredibly proud and happy to be part of this together with Vadstena Municipality. For me, it’s a way of giving back after the honour of having a room named after me at Vadstena Library. Supporting and inspiring aspiring writers feels both meaningful and important, says Marcus Jarl.
– Through this initiative, we want to amplify young voices and create more opportunities for young people to express themselves through writing. It ties in closely with the Year of Literature 2026, which celebrates the power of storytelling and the importance of literature in society, says Hanna Wihlborg, Head of Culture and Leisure in Vadstena Municipality.
Marcus Jarl
