When we launched Writing for All, we were very clear about our aims: to open up writing and publishing to writers who might otherwise lack access, who bring voices and stories we might otherwise miss. We believe that a broad range of voices and stories enriches and is vital to people’s understanding of the world.
That means encouraging people across the region to pick up their pens and put their fingertips to the keyboard.
So, today we’re launching Time to Write, a group of commissions to enable writers from backgrounds that are often underrepresented in writing and publishing, to make work that would otherwise go unwritten.
There’s a number of ways we’ll do this: by offering commissions that remove the barriers to having time to write (like childcare or travel costs), by offering opportunities for writers to develop with the help of a published author, by offering access to courses and developmental advice, and by providing opportunities to build a personal writing network.
Our goal is that Time to Write will help regional writers bring their writing out into the open. Most importantly, the commissions will help make writing more accessible in communities and places that are underserved by the arts.
We know there are writers out there with something to say and we’re really keen to hear from them. We’re looking forward to reading applications from across our region from people who are writing and just need a bit of help to move their creative practice forward.
Do you need some Time to Write? Do you know someone who does? Discover more about Time to Write and apply for a commission here.
Applications are open now and we’ll announce the commission recipients in late January 2020.