Writer in Residence for Dorset Libraries,

Dorset Library Service, in partnership with The Arts Development Company is delivering a new programme of arts development in two Dorset libraries. The programme is called Libraries as Cultural Hubs and has received funding from Arts Council England and The National Lottery. We are seeking experienced and socially engaged professional writers who can offer exciting and inclusive residencies. Applications are welcomed from one or more areas of creative writing, for example poetry, script-writing, fiction etc. and from writers at different stages of their careers.

There are two separate residency opportunities:

Gillingham Library Residency (January – March 2019)

Location: Gillingham Library, Dorset

Target Audience: Adults.

Weymouth Library Residency (January – March 2019)

Location: Weymouth Library, Dorset

Target Audience: Adults

Responses for both residencies should include participatory sessions/workshops, and may include some outreach to existing community groups (e.g. local schools, residential homes etc). We seek proposals that take an inclusive approach to ensure participatory sessions can welcome anyone regardless of their abilities.

Outcomes of the project are:

To deliver writer-in-residencies that encourage and forge new connections between the library, the library staff and local communities.

Test and evaluate a new way of working together with professional writers to enhance the cultural offer for the libraries, knowing that this may inform work within and beyond the life of the programme and across other libraries.

The writers’ time would be split between working independently on-site at the library and facilitating groups of people in participatory activities.

Total fee available for each individual residency is £3000, to include travel and materials

A full brief for both residencies and details of how to apply are available on request from Hannah Baker: hannah@theartsdevelopmentcompany.org.uk