The Observer and the Anthony Burgess Foundation are offering a £2,000 prize for promising new arts journalists, in memory of the prolific novelist and composer who was writing arts reviews for the New York Times, Independent, Times Literary Supplement and Observer right up until his death in 1993.

The prize will be for the best writing on brand new work in the arts which has not previously been published, whether in print or on the internet.

The winning essay might take the form of an interview or profile of a writer, artist or musician; a piece on a new artistic movement or venture; or a review of a book, film, a concert, a ballet or a stage play.

The Observer says:

“When choosing the winner, the judges will be looking for imaginative, original, and thought-provoking arts journalism that would be suitable for publication in the Observer.

“They will be looking for emerging talent, innovative approaches and writing from outside the mainstream, and they are especially keen to read entries from those who have not previously had work published by major media organisations.”

As well as earning a £2,000 prize, the winning entry will be published in the Observer and on the International Anthony Burgess Foundation website.

There is a 1,500 word limit, a £10 entry fee and the closing date is 15 September.

More details can be found on the foundation’s website – and there is more info about Burgess’s work here.