Literature Wales
Strategic Plan Inspiring communities Developing writers Celebrating Wales’ literary culture
literaturewales.org
Literature Wales is the national company for the development of literature. Our vision is a Wales where literature empowers, improves and brightens lives.
Literature Wales Glyn Jones Centre Wales Millennium Centre Bute Place Cardiff / CF10 5AL Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre Llanystumdwy Cricieth Gwynedd / LL52 0LW 029 2047 2266 post@literaturewales.org literaturewales.org @LitWales / @LlenCymru
Photo credits: Andrew Cockerill Photography Camera Sioned Emyr Young Libraries Week 2018 Keith Morris Rhys Llwyd Cover image: Pete Fowler’s Mabinogioninspired mural on the Great Western Railway Water Tower, Cardiff - part of Literature Wales’ Weird and Wonderful Wales project.
“As an organisation we will continue to learn and reflect, be agile and embrace change…”
As Chair of Literature Wales I am very proud to present our Strategic Plan for 2019-2022. In it we outline how the organisation will move forward, adapt and deliver ambitiously for the literature sector in Wales over the coming years. As a thriving, living art-form, literature is integral to the daily lives of the people of Wales. Our relationship with the written and spoken word, in all our languages, is unique and it helps define who we are as a nation, both to ourselves and to the world. When we are active participants in literature, as creators and as audiences, we are better connected to each other. During the next three years, we will use the creative power of literature to improve well-being, to address inequalities and underrepresentation, and to inspire future generations.
Writers are central to the work we do and they have played a key part in helping to shape this plan. There are many needs and demands in the sector, and we will strengthen our relationship with other agencies to ensure that provision is joined-up and amplified. Our own focus will be on talent-spotting and developing early career writers – offering the right support at the right time – and to enable and nurture a culture of risk-taking and artistic innovation. We will also take the work of our established writers to audiences at local, regional, national and international levels, helping to strengthen the reach and reputation of our best contemporary writers and literary heritage. As an organisation we will continue to learn and reflect, be agile and embrace change, and ensure we are equipped to face the challenges – and embrace the opportunities - of what the future holds. Diolch yn fawr, Dr Kate North Chair, Literature Wales
3
Since we formed in 2011, over 1 million people have participated in activity directly delivered or supported by Literature Wales.
Participant in a Bardd Plant Cymru project in partnership with Football Association for Wales.
“We all have stories to tell, and we all share the basic human need to listen and learn from each other...” As one of our oldest artforms, literature is enduringly popular, and this can be seen in the increasing number of festivals, readings, debates and poetry slams taking place across Wales. The range of literary practices, from page to stage and beyond, makes it a very democratic and accessible artform. In creating this Strategic Plan, we have consulted widely, reaching out to individuals and organisations from a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Some know us well, others are less familiar with our work and purpose. All have been open and honest, many with contrasting opinions about what Literature Wales is and what we should be doing. We know that we can’t be everything to everyone, and that we can’t respond to all the gaps and opportunities across the literature sector in Wales. However, where we do intervene, there is compelling evidence that our work delivers value to the sector, to society and to the taxpayer. The sector itself is vibrant and diverse, and many organisations have specific interests and expertise. However, true representation is still a long way off, and our priorities will address
these inequalities of access and opportunities. To achieve this we will continue to develop our role as facilitator and partnership broker, working with others to amplify the reach and impact of our collective work. We will also develop closer ties with regional and national bodies who share our values and ambitions for Wales. Making sure that Wales remains connected to the world is vital. Welsh writers have an international voice, and their work promotes greater understanding and empathy between cultures. The work we do at Literature Wales contributes to making Wales and the world a better place. We all have stories to tell, and we all share the basic human need to listen and learn from each other. Writers help to hold a mirror to society, and we should always look at what’s reflected there. Who knows what the future holds, but Literature Wales will be there to empower, improve and brighten our lives. Diolch yn fawr, Lleucu Siencyn CEO, Literature Wales
Our Mission We will inspire communities, develop writers and celebrate the literary culture of Wales by: increasing the accessibility and impact of creative writing for participants in Wales; enabling early career writers to engage with opportunities to hone and diversify their skills; strengthening the range, reach and reputation of Wales’ writers. This will deliver a Wales where literature empowers, improves and brightens lives.
Literature Wales works in Welsh, English and bilingually across Wales. We have offices in Llanystumdwy and Cardiff.
Our Focus
Our Priorities
Through our previous work, our public consultation and our own planning, we have identified three main areas of work where we will focus our energy and activity during this period. Concentrating on these three areas will help us to ensure that all of our work is clearly linked to our mission, and enable us to use our resources most effectively.
Based on our understanding of the power of literature to improve and transform lives, and the need to focus our activities where they will have greatest impact, we have identified three Tactical Priorities which will cross-cut all Activity Pillars. They are not types of activity but thematic priorities which will feature in everything we deliver, and in our partnership and facilitation work:
As such, all of our activity will be structured into the following three Activity Pillars: Participation - inspiring some of our most marginalised individuals and communities through active participation in literature. Writer Development - developing the creative and professional potential of early career writers.
Wales’ Literary Culture - celebrating our contemporary writers and the literary heritage of Wales. All of the pillars are inter-linked, and much of our work will flow from one to another. Projects will not be developed in isolation, but will complement and enhance each other, with clear progression and development during the three years.
Representation & Equality - by ensuring representative inclusion throughout our activity and internal structures, we will provide platforms for, and encourage, under-represented literary voices; creating a national literary culture which represents contemporary Wales. Health & Well-being - by supporting and advocating the various ways literature can contribute positively to the nation’s health and well-being, we will improve the lives of people in Wales. Children & Young People – by increasing accessibility to, and conveying the joy of creative writing and reading, we will make a significant contribution to the well-being of the future generations of Wales. This represents a refinement rather than revision of our mission in 2016-2019 - literature belongs to everyone and is found everywhere, and it can be a voice for all.
“There was something about that week – something indefinable. It changed me.” - James Rice, author of Alice and the Fly (Hodder & Stoughton), attended a course at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre as a student. He has since returned as a guest reader, and as a course tutor himself in 2018.
8
Representing the Under-represented Literature is deeply rooted in the notion of freedom of expression. However, true freedom requires equality of opportunity and fair representation. When you don’t see people like yourself in what you’re reading, you’re far less likely to pursue other works or see value in creative writing. When you don’t see yourself in organisations offering creative opportunities, you’re far less likely to apply. Working with partners, we will do more to foster representative diversity within the literature sector. Wales’ writers should comprise a range of ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, regions and languages and not be typified by certain limited demographic profiles. This isn’t about excluding anyone. It is about creating equal and fair access to artistic innovation and professional development. Through our Tactical Priorities, we have identified three target client characteristics which will receive additional support throughout our activity. These are: Individuals from BAME backgrounds
Individuals on low incomes
Individuals with disabilities or illnesses (mental and physical)
We will continue to advocate a broad definition of literature, to enable opportunities for creative participants and writers of all abilities and from all backgrounds to enjoy and experiment with different forms.
In 2017, Literature Wales was one of only 2 organisations in Wales to be awarded a Weston Jerwood Creative Bursary – a UK-wide programme supporting arts organisations to diversify recruitment and talent development and build their capacity for outstanding artistic production.
Who we work with In refining our priorities and activities, Literature Wales is looking to develop a more meaningful relationship with the writers and participants we work with. They are our service-users, project deliverers, and stakeholders. We aim to have a more long-term developmental approach to the support and interventions we offer, focusing on investment at the right time to maximise artistic and professional development. In order to make the most effective and specific interventions in the sector, and in order to use our resources for the greatest impact, we have identified three main groups with whom we want to work over this period. By clearly identifying our target clients, we make it easier for people to see how they can engage with our work, and we can be clearer about what help and support we offer for writers, readers and participants at every stage of their career and development.
Creative Participants Creative participants take part in literary activities of all kinds, often in workshop settings. Their words may be a means of catharsis, personal growth or defence against an unfair world. Some might go on to become professional artists, mentoring and inspiring others from similar backgrounds to find their voices.
Early Career Writers Early career writers have the potential to take risks and develop excellence in their art-form. They may have achieved some recognition already and be well-networked within the literary sector, but are now increasingly focussed on developing their craft. Early career writers can be of any age.
Established Writers Wales’ contemporary writers collectively represent a broad range of genres, languages and experiences. As well as raising the profile of Wales and its literatures, established writers play a crucial role in inspiring a new generation of writers and creative audiences, and have the potential to guide and mentor others.
We recognise that those who are reading, listening and viewing literature are also fundamentally creative, so our activity will always be delivered with Creative Audiences in mind.
Our Programme
11
We will increase the accessibility and impact of creative writing for participants in Wales by:
Advocating the power of literature to improve well-being and supporting others working in this field;
Directly engaging under-represented individuals and communities across a range of cultural experiences and literary genres;
Directing participants with creative potential to opportunities within our Writer Development activity.
This will inspire some of our most marginalised individuals and communities through active participation in literature.
Participation
Participation:
Core Activity: Literature for Well-being Llên Pawb | Lit Reach – community engagement Funding Scheme initiative
Reading Friends Wales
Writers on Tour Funding Scheme
Tŷ Newydd Writing Squad
Educational Courses at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre
Inspiring some of our most marginalised individuals and communities through active participation in literature
Activity Highlight: Literature for Well-being Funding Scheme Our Literature for Well-Being Funding Scheme offers financial support and training for writers and other arts practitioners to create and deliver original creative writing projects which encourage wider engagement and inclusion. Each project is devised by the writer with a specific target group in mind. The scheme forms part of our Llên Pawb | Lit Reach community engagement initiative.
Live Now Poetry Residency In May 2018 Literature Wales published a bilingual pamphlet of poetry by award-winning writer Mererid Hopwood, entitled Cerddi Byw Nawr | Live Now Poems. The poems were composed following her residency with the Ceredigion Palliative Care Team where she met and talked with patients receiving end of life care and the staff who care for them. The poems were intended to provide support and comfort to many, while also acting as a starting point to discuss feelings and themes that arise within the field of palliative care.
A Literature for Well-Being Funding Scheme project in partnership with Byw Nawr (Live Now) and Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Find out more: literaturewales.org/litreach
“I know I can’t change my past, but I can write my future” – School pupil in participation workshop
Over 400,000 children and young people have participated in activity delivered or supported by Literature Wales since 2011.
Writer Development
Writer Development: We will engage Wales’ writers with opportunities to hone and diversify their skills by:
Developing and delivering creative and professional development activity tailored to the needs of early career writers;
Providing information and signposting writers to other relevant opportunities;
Identifying a cohort of young writers with significant literary potential and developing their skills through long-term intervention and peerto-peer support.
This will develop the creative and professional potential of writers.
Core Activity: Writers’ Bursaries
Mentoring Scheme
Tš Newydd Writing Centre Courses
Writer Training & Shadowing Opportunities
Platforming Underrepresented Writers
Writers of Wales Database
Information and Resources for Writers
Developing the creative and professional potential of early career writers
Activity Highlight: Mentoring Scheme Our Mentoring Scheme offers writers support and practical advice to develop a specific work in progress to a publishable standard. Places are awarded to new and emerging writers at the start of their writing career. The scheme includes a bespoke Mentoring Course at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre, individual one-toone mentoring sessions, as well as opportunities to network with representatives from the publishing industry.
“As I begin writing in a second language, and in a genre which is very different to my usual work, the Literature Wales Mentoring Scheme has given me not only support but also the necessary confidence to experiment with my literary voice and to push myself towards new creative directions.” William Gwyn Jones - Mentoring Recipient 2018
“It bought me time to think. To dream. To write and really play around with words. But not only that. It bought me belief. Belief that I could actually have a career as an author.” Find out more: literaturewales.org/mentoring
– Eloise Williams, Writer’s Bursary recipient (2015)
190 writers have been awarded a Literature Wales Writer’s Bursary (2011-2019).
We will strengthen the range, reach and reputation of Wales’ writers by:
Delivering and supporting significant national and international projects which celebrate the distinctiveness of Wales’ languages, literatures and writers;
Facilitating literary commissions, particularly from organisations working outside the literature sector;
Developing opportunities for wider recognition and actively sourcing new writers with potential for these opportunities, especially from underrepresented groups.
This will celebrate the best of our contemporary writers and the diverse literary heritage of Wales.
Wales’ Literary Culture
Wales’ Literary Culture:
Core Activity: Wales Book of the Year Award
National Poet of Wales
Bardd Plant Cymru - Welsh-language children’s laureate
Children’s Laureate Wales
Her 100 Cerdd - 100 poem challenge
Showcasing at national festivals
International collaborations
Celebrating our contemporary writers and the literary heritage of Wales
Activity Highlight: Wales Book of the Year The Wales Book of the Year Award celebrates outstanding literary talent from Wales across a variety of genres in both English and Welsh each year. Wales Book of the Year has been run by Literature Wales since 2004, and has been awarded to some of Wales’ most renowned writers as well as emerging new talents. Winning the award can have a substantial impact on a writer’s career. The winner of the 2017 Englishlanguage Award was Pigeon (Parthian Books) by Alys Conran: • Sales of the book saw an increase of 43% after the shortlist announcement • Film, stage and audio rights for Pigeon were sold within a year of winning Wales Book of the Year • Alys’ second novel, Dignity was snapped up by W&N, part of the Orion Publishing Group, whose editor Federico Andornino hailed her as “one of the best writers of her generation”
Find out more: literaturewales.org/wboty
“Wales Book of the Year was all important for my first novel. Since winning the award, I have been invited to international festivals and conferences; and have seen my book – with its messages about the Welsh language and culture – reach a much wider audience, with more large bookshops deciding to stock it on their shelves. The award was significant to me and to my literary career, and it will continue to open doors.” - Alys Conran, winner of Wales Book of the Year 2017 for her novel Pigeon
What will success look like? Our Mission states that we will: inspire communities, develop writers, and celebrate the literary culture of Wales. The direct interventions and strategies outlined in this document will lead to tangible societal, cultural and economic improvements which we will track throughout the three years through new models of data collection. We are clear about our remit and have set quantifiable targets against which our progress will be measured. By 2022, Literature Wales will have contributed to: More people across Wales, particularly those from one or more of our target client characteristics, participating in creative writing activities
More community workshop participants benefitting from our Writer Development initiatives
More young writers (aged 16-30) engaging with creative opportunities
More established writers engaging in highprofile national and international projects
More creative and professional opportunities for early career writers
The capability of literature to improve well-being is widely documented. The benefits of engaging in our activities include: Improved spoken and written skills (A more equal Wales)
Increased selfconfidence (A resilient Wales)
Increased Decreased sense employability (A of isolation (A prosperous Wales) Wales of cohesive communities)
Decreased risk of, and increased resilience to, mental illness (A healthier Wales)
Exposure to new worlds, philosophies, cultures (A Wales of cohesive communities)
Increased ability to empathise (A globally responsible Wales)
Increased multilingual skills (A Wales of vibrant culture and Welsh language)
As outlined in the seven goals in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
Our Values Our Values are principles that we consider central to who we are as an organisation. They underpin and guide our work and shape the ways in which we engage with our stakeholders, participants and audiences.
CREATIVITY Everyone has a right to be creative and be part of Wales’ vibrant culture
LANGUAGE Respecting, nurturing and celebrating the languages of Wales
EQUALITY Equality is fundamental to freedom of expression
REPRESENTATION Giving voice to the underrepresented
ADVOCACY Promoting and campaigning for the benefits of publiclyfunded literary arts in Wales
PARTNERSHIP Working with others to achieve more
DYNAMIC Embracing change, continuing to learn and being adaptable
LEGACY Inspiring longterm meaningful change
13
Principles for delivering the plan In delivering this Strategic Plan, we will remain mindful of the need to: - Be resilient and operate sustainably to generate long- term impact – including investing at the right time and following the Logic Model principle when planning activity;
- Foreground the well-being goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and consider how our work can support others in achieving them;
- Research and reflect on current needs and gaps and develop activity according to learning;
- Keep aware of developments in digital technology and communication, and where possible adapt activities accordingly;
- Work in partnership with others in the literature sector and beyond to make the most of - Support the Welsh Government’s opportunities; target of 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050. - Collaborate with writers and activists from under-represented communities, and experts in the field, to ensure the content and delivery of projects and services are tailored accordingly, and to increase opportunities in recruitment and governance;
Acknowledgements Our Directors
With thanks to:
Kate North (Chair) Jacob Dafydd Ellis Craig Austin Eric Ngalle Charles Annie Finlayson Elizabeth George Radhika Mohanram John O’Shea Delyth Roberts Owain Taylor-Shaw Cathryn Summerhayes Christina Thatcher
Arts Council of Wales Our survey respondents Our Critical Friends And: Eluned Parrott David Metcalfe Ifor ap Glyn Sarah Drummond Charles Beckett Damian Walford Davies Pete Fowler
Chief Executive Lleucu Siencyn Patron Philip Pullman 029 2047 2266 post@literaturewales.org literaturewales.org @LitWales / @LlenCymru
This Strategic Plan was developed with the valuable support of the Arts Council of Wales’ Resilience Programme.
21