James Harris is a writer, filmmaker, performer, pole-vaulter, wizard and exaggerator based in Middlesbrough. He is a mentor and workshop leader for Writers' Block North East, a Teesside creative writing and development service. He's made short films, sketches and animations for the BBC and Channel 4, and he sometimes performs live comedy with his friends. He's enjoyed being occasionally shortlisted for things since 2004, but he's never won anything until now.

Sarah Walker is a writer, artist and photographer. She makes work about anxiety, control and intimacy in text, video and immersive installation across Australia and internationally. She is a Walkley-nominated essayist and critic, and co-hosted the podcast Contact Mic. She is also one of Australia's most experienced arts photographers. She lives on Wadawurrung country in Geelong, Australia, where she surfs (badly) and gardens (also badly).