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Development and Communications Officer Blog

Published Tue 13 Mar 2018 - By Della Hill
Development and Communications Officer Blog

Looking back this time last year, I was going through the typical third year student dissertation stressful period, and I had absolutely no idea what was on the horizon for my next move in life. I had planned to do a master’s degree, but the fears of the next level of academia left me nervous to take the next step.

 

I have always loved literature. Fiction, poetry, short-stories, lyrics in songs – anything where words can be turned into something creative – that make audiences stop what they are doing and change their perspective on their views. I decided to do the MA in English Literature. That was it. The plan was to continue studying and learn as much as I possibly could, and jumping forward to November 2017, I had graduated, the course was in full swing, but there was still something missing.

 

The Arts Sector has always been a daunting place career wise. Internships, week-long placements, exchanging a few months of work for experience was the path I was going to have to take. However, in early November one of my friends sent me a link for a role within the national organisation for Literature in Wales, and I was determined to get it.

 

Not only would I have the opportunity to be involved with an organisation that has values that mirror my personal views, but I would also have the chance to partake in their innovative projects and be able to contribute my ideas to the arts sector. Flashforward to now, and I have been in the position for a month, and it has been a whirlwind of a time.

 

In a nutshell, it is now my responsibility to help tell the story of Literature Wales. As a national organisation that works across all of Wales, there are endless opportunities to record and tell a diverse audience. Over the course of this year I will be working closely with the programmes, communications and development team to devise a way in which we can show the impact of Literature Wales in the most effective way. We would like to grow our audience this year and provide an insight into the work that we are doing. Keep an eye on our social media, our presence in the news, and if you would like to make an impact this year, pop us an email on: post@literaturewales.org.

 

What make this opportunity so special, however, is the fact that it has been offered as part of the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursary Programme. The scheme has given me and 39 other graduates the chance to break the barriers in the Arts Sector and promote diversity. The nationwide programme is designed and managed by the Jerwood Charitable Foundation and it champions new voices and promotes the potential for positive change through sharing evidence of best practice in recruitment and talent development.

 

Over the year, I will be writing a few blogs to document my time, and to give an insight into what I am doing. This placement is so exciting already – so keep your ears open – this won’t be the last you hear of me!

 

 

Literature Wales