It aims to nurture emerging talents by giving TV writers in the region the chance to develop projects with help and advice from industry professionals The initiative will work with creators of up to 5 projects for 7 months, during which they will take part in weekly online work sessions and three in-person residencies LONDON: Regional TV company OSN and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture on Tuesday launched the Writers’ Room, a mentorship program they said is designed to nurture emerging talents and foster the development of storytelling in the Middle East. It will offer TV writers in the region the chance to showcase their talents and pitch ideas for projects that can be developed and distributed on OSN’s platforms. “At OSN, we believe in the power of local storytelling and the incredible talent that exists within the Arab region, and are excited to join hands with the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture to launch this initiative,” said company CEO Joe Kawkabani. “This program represents our commitment to nurturing emerging writers and investing in compelling narratives that resonate with our diverse audience. Together, we aim to unlock the untapped potential of Arab storytellers and create a platform for their voices to be heard.” Selected participants will receive one-on-one coaching and advice to help them develop a limited series, along with additional support and input from a diverse pool of experts and specialists, including historians, social scientists and researchers. Organizers said the aim is to create a framework for TV writing in the region that is anchored in the writers’ room method and allows for peer-to-peer learning and participation in the creative process. “The initiative marks a significant step in supporting the development of Arab series creators,” said Rima Mismar, the executive director of the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture. “Through this program, we aim to provide a nurturing environment for emerging talents, bridge gaps in series development, and foster a community of storytellers. “By offering mentorship, residencies and exposure to experts from diverse fields, we aspire to empower writers to create impactful and multidimensional narratives that reflect the richness, complexity and cultural diversity of the Arab region.” The Writers’ Room initially will work with the creators of up to five projects over the course of seven months. They will take part in weekly online work sessions and three in-person residencies. The Writers’ Room program is open to all Arab writers living in the region who have prior writing experience. Applications can be submitted through Arab Fund for Arts and Culture website until July 7.