Writers' Centre Norwich has received £465,000 in funding to develop the city's reputation for literature excellence.

The money, awarded by Arts Council England, will go towards the centre's three-year programme called 'East Out'.

It will see the commissioning and showcasing of new work, residencies, exchanges and collaborations with other partners.

The programme will also celebrate the opening of the National Centre for Writing at Dragon Hall in Norwich next year.

Writers' Centre Norwich is one of five organisations to receive funding from the arts council.

The money will go towards creating a set of commissions, called 'Radical East', which explore the history of writing, print and protest in the region.

An associate artist programme will also see new work being made and developed in Norwich.

Meanwhile, a second international literature showcase will be held in the city in 2020 following on from the success of this year's event.

Around 200 UK writers and 40 UK organisations will have the chance to showcase their work to international partners through the event.

Over the next three years, the centre will also work with publishers to promote the best in literary fiction from Norwich and Norfolk.

It also intends to host the first UK meeting of the UNESCO Cities of Literature in partnership with Nottingham in 2019.

Chris Gribble, chief executive of Writers' Centre Norwich said: 'We're delighted Arts Council England has chosen to support East Out and our plans to develop as national centre for writing through the national lottery funded ambition for excellence programme.

'The support will enable new work, new partnerships and new conversations to flourish.

'It will help us reach larger audiences, explore innovative collaborations and support the development of outstanding writers, literary translators, publishers, and performers nationally as well as in our own region.'

East Out will also see the centre work with the Norwich Business Improvement District on cultural tourism projects based on literary heritage and the contemporary literary scene.

Has your organisation received funding? Email luke.powell@archant.co.uk