Working towards a literary culture that reflects Wales’ literary talents and our rich, diverse communities – a statement by Literature Wales

Published Wed 1 Jul 2020 - By Literature Wales

This year’s Wales Book of the Year shortlist includes a wide range of excellent writers from across a number of genres. We recognise and applaud the huge achievement of all those who are shortlisted and the excellent publishing sector which has supported them, and we’re grateful to the judges for their valuable work on the prize.

Wales has a rich history of diverse communities and voices. However, we acknowledge that the prize isn’t where it should be in terms of reflecting this diversity. The award has not included a Black, Asian or minority ethnic writer on its shortlist for many years, nor an adequate representation of disabled writers. Although some changes have been made to try to remedy this, it’s clear that as organisers of the award we haven’t done enough and we need to do more. Further changes could include a radical rethink in the submission process and how the award is structured. We understand that long-term meaningful change cannot be achieved either overnight or in isolation. We are working with under-represented individuals and organisations to ensure that our activities, structures and procedures are more inclusive and welcoming to all.

There are long-standing substantial barriers to equal and fair access at every step of a professional writing career in Wales. This is not a problem exclusive to Wales, as has been highlighted in the recent report Rethinking ‘Diversity’ in Publishing, which includes a number of practical recommendations for the sector. Together with key strategic partners we will address the lack of diverse voices in Wales’ literature and publishing sector as a priority, and in the autumn of 2020 we will launch a new professional writer development programme for writers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. This will build and expand on some of our recent initiatives including Platforming Under-represented Writers and Rising Stars Wales. Further information will be released soon.

Literature Wales aspires to be an organisation that drives a national literary culture which represents the diversity of contemporary Wales. We are committed to taking positive action, continuously educating ourselves, having open dialogues and diversifying cultural storytelling.

Dr Kate North, Chair

Lleucu Siencyn, CEO