Call-out for paid opportunity: Literature and Well-being Writer Commissions

Literature Wales’ Literature and Well-being Writer Commissions in partnership with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales

We recognise the impact COVID-19 has on well-being and mental health and how it has increased loneliness and isolation for many people. Literature in all its forms can help bring people together and give voice to the voiceless during these challenging times. Literature Wales, in partnership with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales, is inviting applications from freelance writers and artists for one of four commissions worth £2,000 each:

• To devise and deliver creative writing projects for people on low incomes with a focus on mental well-being
• To partner with a local (voluntary/third sector) organisation experienced in supporting people on low incomes
• To create pilot projects which can be used as good practice for future projects in other areas of Wales
• To use digital platforms, and where appropriate physically distanced activity, to bring creative audiences and communities together through literature in the face of prolonged social restrictions

Closing date for applications: 5.00 pm, Tuesday 26 January 2021

Background

Literature Wales is proud to be working in partnership with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales for a second time to invite applications from writers and arts facilitators to devise and deliver a creative writing project with a health and well-being focus, specifically for individuals and/or groups on low incomes.

Participation in literature is one of Literature Wales’ main areas of work. We aim to increase the accessibility and impact of creative writing for participants in Wales to entertain and inspire some of our most marginalised individuals and communities.

We believe that literature has the power to improve and transform lives.

Taking part in creative writing projects can upskill participants, and lead to increased confidence, self-worth and better self-expression. By focusing this call-out on work with those on low income, we hope to see tangible positive outcomes for those who will take part. People on low income, together with those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and those living with disabilities or illnesses (physical or mental) are prioritised by Literature Wales when planning and delivering projects, due to their characteristics currently being under-represented within Wales’ literary culture.

COVID-19

We are fully aware that this is an intensely worrying time, both in terms of our mental and physical well-being as individuals and communities, and especially so for those who rely on freelance income. This call-out is intended to allow freelance writers to continue to receive paid work during this uncertain time. In addition, the content created will address health and well-being challenges through literature and creative writing; and entertain, inspire, and educate creative audiences, early career writers and participants across Wales.

All projects must be delivered in line with the relevant COVID-19 rules and regulations at the time of delivery. Digital poverty is a challenge to consider when devising and delivering these projects for low-income groups. Literature Wales can work with you to discuss the best way forward, but we suggest considering both face-to-face and digital options for delivery.

What’s available?

There are four commissions available worth £2,000 each. At least one of the commissions will be awarded to a Welsh-language project.

Writers can apply for one commission only; however, you are welcome to submit applications individually, in pairs or as a collective.

Writers are strongly encouraged to apply in partnership with, or with the support of, a charity or organisation supporting low income communities or individuals. You will need to submit a letter of support from the organisation to demonstrate this.

Please consider your own fee as a facilitator when creating a draft budget for your project.

Eligibility criteria

All Wales-based writers and artists are eligible for this opportunity.

Priority will be given to the following:

• Those who identify with at least one of our Target Client Characteristics (individuals on low income, individuals from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background, individuals with disabilities or long-term illnesses, mental or physical)
• Those who are not already in receipt of any regular funding from Literature Wales
• Freelance writers who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic

How to apply

Before starting on your application, we advise reading the Guidance and FAQs documents, available to download at the bottom of this page.

To apply for this opportunity, please complete the application form available here. The application form will also ask you to upload:

• a simple draft budget for the project
• a letter of support from a partnership organisation if you have one.

For further information or support ahead of your application, please contact Literature Wales: post@literaturewales.org

Closing date for applications: 5.00 pm, Tuesday 26 January 2021

What happens next

• Applications will be assessed by a panel of Literature Wales and Royal College of Psychiatrists staff members
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a short interview about their project on Monday 8 or Tuesday 9 February 2021
• Successful applicants will be notified by 11 February 2021, with Literature Wales confirming the exact funding offered and a completion date with each artist
• Artists will be paid in advance upon receipt of a signed contract

Literature Wales will be available to guide and advise during the planning and delivery of your project and offer support where needed.

Literature Wales is a registered charity and works with the support of the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Government. For further information, visit: www.literaturewales.org