News Archive

South Wales Valleys Literature Development Initiative

This is a three-year project to create new opportunities to write for everyone and anyone in the authorities of Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Rhondda Cynon Taff and Torfaen. This energising task will concentrate on working with groups and individuals who have traditionally not been part of the mainstream writing world even if they are actively engaged in blogging, texting, writing letters to newspapers, or creating poems in response to national and international  celebrations and tragedies.  There is a huge wealth of untapped writing talent in the valleys and this project will aim to release at least some of it.

Louise Richards has been appointed to the new post of South Wales Valleys Literature Development Officer which is funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales and by seven local authorities in south Wales.

Academi Chief Executive Peter Finch said, “Historically literature has always been strong in the south Wales valleys. What many don’t realise is that today it still is. This exciting three-year project aims to celebrate what’s already been achieved, uncover the new and provide access for all.”

On her first day in post, Louise said, “I am looking forward to supporting and working with as wide an audience as possible and helping to bring a lifelong love of literature and creative writing to the valleys.”

This is a project is managed by Academi. For further information on the South Wales Valleys Literature Development Initiative, contact Academi on 029 2047 2266 or email post@academi.org

The project is supported by:
The Arts Council of Wales, The Welsh Assembly Government,
The National Lottery (through the Arts Council of Wales) and
Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen County Borough Councils.