It’s taken a while to really find its feet, struggling to push itself up out of the reeds of previous writer support programmes Literature Wales have administered, but Representing Wales appears to now carry some weight. It is, after all, a great opportunity to maybe find out what your stuff is made of.
I am, in some part, sceptical of such support for writers. The unshakeable need to writer should be the telling factor in the end. But I am also entirely behind them, because I’ve seen them up close all around the world and I’ve seen just how important validation, feedback, and doors ajar can do for the writing mind.
But I’m not here to do Literature Wales’s marketing for them, but rather just give a shout out to the programme in case any of you BRG readers want to apply. Here’s some info.
The programme will support a cohort of 14 writers by offering the following:
A bursary of £3,000
A travel and ticket fund
An intense training programme on craft and on professional career development featuring world-renowned writers as tutors and guest speakers including online writing rooms and writing masterclasses, one of which will be a residential weekend at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre
A personal mentor
Regular opportunities for the cohort to share creative work and feedback
Networking opportunities throughout the year, online and in person
Dedicated support from Literature Wales including advice, signposting and identifying opportunities
A bespoke aftercare programme
Application must be in by October 10, and all further important information can be found on the Representing Wales page of the Lit Wales website.
They’ve also announced the mentors.
Stephanie Butland
Deborah Kay Davies
Damian Walford Davies
Rachel Dawson
Dilar Dirik
Eliot Duncan
Inua Ellams
Dr Jenni Fagan
Glyn Maxwell
Grug Muse
Llwyd Owen
Mike Parker
Lleucu Roberts
Jacob Ross
Joelle Taylor
That’s a pretty fine cohort, I’m sure you’ll agree.
If you want to apply, follow the above link for all the details you’ll need.