Being awarded the Observer/Anthony Burgess Prize was an unbelievable privilege. Apart from being published in the Observer and the cash prize (which I put towards research trips for future writing), it was an invaluable insight into newspapers’ commissioning processes. I’m very grateful for the contact and guidance I’ve had since. It was a pleasure to […]

What makes good criticism? It’s a big question, especially in this age where there are more critics than ever. Specialist blogs proliferate; anyone with a social media handle can review the latest films, novels, albums, plates of food…. Firstly, it’s important to separate general cultural criticism from academic criticism. The latter is deep-delving, forensically detailed. […]

I am delighted to be judging the Anthony Burgess prize. At a time when the arts pages in many of our newspapers are under threat, it seems doubly important to celebrate the role of arts journalism both as a necessary tool in enabling the circulation of books, pictures and films and as an art form […]

For me, winning the first ever Anthony Burgess/Observer Prize in 2012 ­­– as opposed to an award given in any other similarly esteemed writer’s name – had a uniquely personal resonance. To someone who grew up in the north-west, without obvious advantages of birth or connection, and who went on to study and compose music, all the while harbouring a passion […]

First prize: £3000 and publication in the Observer. Entry just £10.

Burgess and the idea of a single European language

Anthony Burgess’s view of Europe, by Will Carr

2015 Observer / Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Journalism winning entry

2015 Observer / Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Journalism runner-up entry

2015 Observer / Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Journalism runner-up entry