Platforming Under-represented Writers

Offering the right support at the right time to empower and nurture new voices to create a culture of risk-taking and artist innovation.

Platforming Under-represented Writers is a project that offers writers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and writers with a disability or illness (mental or physical) grants of up to £1,000 to develop their professional and artistic potential to create opportunities to kick-start or advance their career.

The scheme puts an emphasis on freedom to nurture a sense of empowerment and self-determination for writers to deliver ambitious projects unique to their own vision. With this in mind, we also work alongside the writers in the development phases of their project to offer support throughout the programme.

Wales defines itself as a nation of story and song, and literature is regarded as a cornerstone of Welsh identity. Platforming Under-represented Writers is designed to have a long-term impact by increasing the representation and inclusion in our sector whilst influencing the wider cultural narratives of Wales.

Our Strategic Plan for 2019-2022 outlines Representation and Equality as one of Literature Wales’ main priorities. We believe that every person, regardless of their background, should feel included and free to navigate, contribute and take ownership of the literature scene in Wales.

Lleucu Siencyn, Chief Executive of Literature Wales said:

”Literature is deeply rooted in the notion of freedom of expression. However, true freedom requires equality of opportunity and fair representation. Working with partners, we will do more to foster representative diversity within the literature sector. Wales’ writers should comprise a range of ages, socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, regions and languages. This isn’t about excluding anyone. It is about creating equal and fair access to artistic innovation and professional development.”

Projects 2019-2020

8 successful writers have been awarded funding for a professional development activity. Discover more about their projects below and keep up to date with their journeys by following us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Return to Our Projects

Crime Fiction: Today and Yester Years

Anirban will use the Platforming Under-represented Writers funding to enhance his knowledge of the Crime Fiction genre by conducting focus groups and receiving mentoring from a well-established Indian Crime Fiction writer.

Hamari Kahani | Our Story

Hammad will use the Platforming Under-represented Writers funding to run a series of inclusive writing and illustration workshops for children from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds to celebrate the diversity of the multicultural area of Grangetown, Cardiff.

The 1919 Race Riots Almanac

Laolu will use this funding to produce a chapbook, The 1919 Race Riots Almanac, about the history surrounding the 1919 Race Riots in South Wales. He will also create and deliver workshops for people in Cardiff.

Performance Poetry

Marvin will use the Platforming Under-represented Writers funding to shadow the renowned performance poet and actress, Debris Stevenson.

Slalom

Sherrall will use the Platforming Under-represented Writers Funding to develop her skills as a writer and strengthen her dramaturgical knowledge by working with Dramaturge and Playwright, Kelly Jones, as her writing mentor.

Voice

Nasia and Taylor will run a series of six free creative writing workshops for individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds to explore the theme of voice.

Dadgoloneiddo’r Archif | Decolonising the Archive

Yasmin will use this funding to conduct a period of research focusing on Welsh identity, colonialism and cultural memory with the aim of better understanding and exploring the legacy of Welsh people and Welsh people of colour throughout history using decolonial theories.

Writer Development

Developing the creative and professional potential of early career writers.

Representing the Under-represented

Working with partners, we will do more to foster representative diversity within the literature sector.