‘Biyi Bándélé was a titan, who did the heavy lifting and laid the foundations many British Nigerian writers & theatre makers walk on.’

Inua Ellams

THE BIYI BÁNDÉLÉ BURSARY FUND

 Biyi came to the United Kingdom on a British Council scholarship and then in 1992 was awarded a bursary from the Arts Council, which gave him space to focus on his writing. He built his career entirely on his own income from his work as a writer and director, a precarious journey for any freelancer far from home.

 With the generous support of Brixton House, the Biyi Bándélé Bursary Fund aims to raise £10,000 per year to support African diaspora writers with a small bursary to help them through a period of challenge, as well as providing support through mentorship and more, with at least three writers per year receiving £2000 direct funds.

Please join us in helping pay forward the support Biyi was given to the next generation of playwrights, novelists and directors.