New initiative launched to find talented children’s poets from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds based in Wales.
If you write poetry for children and come from an under-represented background in Wales, a new award run by Literature Wales and Firefly Press, could be great news!
The Rising Stars Wales Award aims to discover new talent, provide opportunities and spotlight emerging writers of all ages from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, living in Wales.
We’re looking for up to five individuals who write poetry for children aged 8-12 years old. This opportunity is open to emerging poets of all ages, and entry is free. Prizes include a cash prize of £250, sponsored by Quarto Translations and the chance to stay at a writer’s retreat in North Wales, worth £400.
And the organisers hope that as well as discovering and nurturing talent, this call-out could also lead to a poetry anthology and events for primary school children in Wales.
Firefly Press publisher, Penny Thomas said: ‘We’re so excited to launch the Rising Stars call-out, and would encourage anyone who is thinking of entering to go right ahead and do so! Firefly publishes for 5-19 year olds and is always looking for new writers for these age groups from diverse backgrounds. It’s so important that all children can see themselves in the stories they read.’
Lleucu Siencyn, Chief Executive of Literature Wales said: ‘The literature sector is vibrant and diverse but 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 work with partners to amplify unheard voices. This isn’t about excluding anyone. It is about creating equal and fair access to artistic innovation and professional development.’
To enter, budding poets need to submit between three and five poems by the deadline of Friday 11 November to post@literaturewales.org
For more information go to:
English: https://www.literaturewales.org/lw-news/rising-stars-wales-award-2020/
Cymraeg: https://www.llenyddiaethcymru.org/lw-news/gwobr-rising-stars-cymru-2020/
childrenslaureate@literaturewales.org