Press office: Andrés N Ordorica and Jeda Pearl Lewis
The Scottish BAME Writers Network (SBWN) is very honoured to have been awarded Creative Scotland funding for their 2020 pilot programme. “Our network was founded as an advocacy group to create, validate and connect BAME writers living in and from Scotland, prioritising writers of colour who have historically been underrepresented. Since its inception in 2018, and with the help of several incredible volunteers and partnership organisations, the SBWN has facilitated necessary conversations around inclusive publishing and promoted diverse voices within Scotland’s literary sector.” – Alycia Pirmohamed, Director.
As of 2019, the SBWN team has included Alycia Pirmohamed, Jay G Ying, Andrés N Ordorica and Jeda Pearl Lewis. Together the SBWN hosts workshops, networking events and readings.
“We seek to bring BAME writers together, intersecting those in various locations and from various practices. Our purpose is to engage with writers of colour and partner with literary organisations to create real change that challenges systemic barriers and work toward authentic and sustainable inclusive programming.” – Jay G Ying, Programme Manager (Festivals & Partnerships).
2020 looks to be a promising year for the SBWN. It will feature collaborations with Gutter, Inky Fingers, Paisley Book Festival, and The Scottish Poetry Library to name a few.
“This year we will continue to prioritise BAME-led spaces by programming Visiting Writer workshops and a Visiting Writer reading series featuring inspirational emerging and established literary voices from the BAME community.” – Andrés N Ordorica, Programme Manager (Community Development & Events).
“Additionally, we will programme discussion panels to engage with members of the literary and publishing communities so that we can continue to help their network members develop professionally and help demystify the publishing process.” – Jeda Pearl Lewis, Programme Manager (Writer Development & Communications).
“We thank Creative Scotland for this opportunity, and we look forward to continuing to advocate, network and promote with writers of colour living in and from Scotland.” – Alycia Pirmohamed, Director.
