In the Regular Funding Network 2018-21, we are supporting organisations which provide first class development opportunities for Scottish writers and create the conditions for a thriving literature scene, and a well-supported publishing sector, across Scotland.
The Literature Sector Review of 2015 evidenced a widely held view that access to literature across different parts of Scotland could be improved enormously. As such, we are pleased to support through Regular Funding 2018-21 organisations such as Moniack Mhor, Wigtown Book Festival and Glasgow Women’s Library, enabling them to build on the work they have delivered over the past three years. Each of these organisations provide year-round opportunities for writers to develop their skills and for communities around reading and literature to flourish, with programs tailored to the complex demographics of each locality.
Ensuring there are high quality opportunities for young people in Scotland is critical to building a nation of readers and we are proud of the work done by leading Scottish organisations in this regard. Via our support to Scottish Book Trust, every young person in Scotland is offered a guided journey through reading for pleasure, both via direct provision of books, and opportunities to encounter authors first hand. The national reach of these programmes and of Live Literature, which provides vital employment for writers and opportunities for libraries and community groups in all 32 of Scotland’s local authorities to host live readings and performances, ensures the opportunity to build a lifelong relationship with books and reading is offered regardless of where you live.
Edinburgh International Book Festival continues to enhance Scotland’s global reputation as a literary nation and our renewed support for 2018-21 helps ensure that people in Scotland continue to have access to world class literary experiences in the heart of the capital and beyond. Widely recognised as a globally significant event in literature and publishing, the Edinburgh International Book Festival showcases Scottish literary talent to the world and offers a platform for debate, discussion and a vital exchange of ideas with the Scottish literary and publishing sector taking centre stage. Regular Funding 2018-21 will support the Festival’s ambitions to provide greater equality of access to the festival, underpin commitment to fair pay and support its far-reaching international ambition.
Literature’s deep cultural roots and significance in terms of our cultural heritage is recognised by all the Literature organisations in the new Network. Responsibility for the support and development of Gaelic literature and publishing is held by the Gaelic Books Council, the national remit of which spans development opportunities for Gaelic publishers to programmes encouraging the contemporary expression of the language as espoused by some of Scotland’s leading writers. The oral tradition of storytelling, and support for Scots, is provided via the rich audience experiences and community engagement offered by the Storytelling Centre and Festival via Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS).
The Scottish Poetry Library, our unique national resource centre, is supported to embark on a program of digital development to increase access to its extensive collection while retaining its status as the heart and home of Scottish poetry.
Creative Scotland will continue to work across the public and enterprise agencies to support the creative industries. While individual publishers are not supported through the Regular Funding Network, support for the industry is embedded in the Network via Publishing Scotland whose plans for the 2018-21 period include further development of their highly successful international programme and continued representation of Scottish publishers at trade fairs domestically and internationally.
Find out more about the Regular Funding Network 2018-21.
Image: Book Week Scotland / Photo by Scottish Book Trust