Published: 13 Dec 2018
Edinburgh’s multi-arts complex and events venue Summerhall has been selected by Creative Scotland to host the 2019 Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship.
Mid-career or established writers based in Scotland are now invited to apply for the post of Fellow, with a deadline for applications of midday on Monday 21 January 2019.
The successful applicant will become writer in residence at Summerhall for one year to produce new work on the theme of change, sustainability and how the past informs the present.
The selected Fellow will receive a £20,000 bursary, private work space at Summerhall, a bespoke programme of support and engagement and access to the full range of Summerhall’s activities during the year.
Verity Leigh, Programme Manager for Summerhall commented: “We’re looking forward to having a writer in residence engaging with the life and work of Summerhall, and to seeing how they respond creatively to our theme of change, sustainability and how the past informs the present.
"The writer in residence will be able to engage with Summerhall’s eclectic creative community of staff, residents and visiting artists, observe projects including work on sustainability and spend time in the building’s uniquely atmospheric and historic spaces, as well as having time, space and money to write.
"Hosting the Fellowship is part of Summerhall’s ongoing aim to provide more opportunities for writers and artists to create work in Edinburgh, and to be a place where ideas can take flight.”
Mairi Kidd, Interim Head of literature, Creative Scotland, said: “We’re delighted that Summerhall will host next year’s Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship. The project will see Summerhall offer a writer access to an incredible range of creative programming and networks over the year of the Fellowship. This is a perfect context for the development of truly innovative and exciting work.”
To be eligible for the Fellowship, applicants must have published at least one novel, graphic novel or equivalent work, one collection of short stories, one poetry pamphlet or had one professional production of their work staged or broadcast. Writers working in the main in English, Gaelic or Scots may apply. For full details of how to apply please visit the following link: https://www.summerhall.co.uk/dr-gavin-wallace-fellowship-2019/
Summerhall is a multi-arts complex and events venue in Edinburgh, Scotland. The writer will have full access to the full range of Summerhall’s activities during the year, which means that, if they choose, they can attend more than 30 gigs, 120 Fringe shows, 12 exhibitions. Find out more: www.summerhall.co.uk
The theme is directly inspired by the life and work of Summerhall as a building and an organisation. They are looking for a writer whose work is a good fit with Summerhall’s artistic policy: i.e. work which has something to say about the world, with a focus on artistic excellence and an interest in pushing the boundaries of itsform. They are considering sustainability from a number of angles:
Applicants must be available for interview in Edinburgh (or by Skype) in the week beginning 4 February 2019.
The Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship was established in 2013 in memory of a Creative Scotland colleague, Dr Gavin Wallace, who dedicated his entire professional life to supporting Scottish literature. The Fellowship offers a professional mid-career or established writer based in Scotland the opportunity to spend dedicated time to develop their practice in partnership with an organisation.
The inaugural Fellow Kirsty Logan, undertook her fellowship in 2014 at the Association for Scottish Literary Studies (ASLS) at the University of Glasgow where she explored the theme of Place and its effect on Personal Identity. In 2015, Moniack Mhor hosted Jen Hadfield where she used the idea of flotsam and jetsam, to explore themes of place and identity.
In 2016, National Library of Scotland hosted Angus Peter Campbell where he was invited to explore and be inspired by the ways in which the Library’s collections reflect Scotland's past and present.
In 2017, Morna Young was hosted by Creative Learning, Aberdeen City Council where she explored the theme of ‘The Folk, Language and Landscape of the Northeast.
In 2018, Playwrights' Studio, Scotland hosted Martin O'Connor in partnership with the Royal Lyceum Theatre, where he was invited to write and develop work for the stage that meets their creative ambition to work on a larger scale, relating to the theme Epic. For more information about please visit: www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/targeted-funding/gavinwallacefellowship
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