Arts and Culture

Outer Hebrides Literature Development Plan

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in partnership with HI-Arts recently commissioned Peter Urpeth, Writing Development Coordinator with HI~ARTS, to draft a strategic plan for literature development in the Outer Hebrides. Thorough research and consultations with key stakeholders and practitioners has resulted in the Outer Hebrides Literature Development Plan, a draft document for public consultation.

The plan outlines 3 strategic priorities to ensure growth of this important activity in the creative industries:

Co-ordination, sustainability and growth of the literature and creative writing sectors.
Advancing adult Gàidhlig literacy
Support local Gàidhlig publishing

To address these priorities, the plan recommends 2 key actions:

The first is to establish an Outer Hebrides Literature Development Forum encouraging joint working across the literature development sector. The focus being to promote both Gàidhlig and English literature, writing and publishing throughout the islands, via a programme which could include writers’ residencies, author events, writers’ and readers’ groups, training and publishing opportunities for local writers.

The second recommendation is to establish a Gàidhlig Book Development Fund that would distribute funding to Gàidhlig publication projects in early stage development.

Please send your feedback on the draft plan by Tuesday 26th February 2008 to:

Elsie Mitchell
Arts Development Officer
CnES
Uig Community Centre
Timsgarry
Isle of Lewis
HS2 9HX

Tel: 01851 672 708
E-mail: emitchell@cne-siar.gov.uk

An Outer Hebrides Literature Development Plan Discussion Day is planned for Tuesday 4th March, 10am to 4pm at the Caladh Inn, Stornoway. The day will include readings by writers Dave Martin, Pauline Prior-Pitt and Iain Moireasch. Places at this free networking event are limited to 50 delegates and must be booked by Friday 22nd February 2008. Please click on the following links to download LDP documents:

Outer Hebrides Literature Development Plan – Draft for Public Consultation (PDF 170Kb)

Outer Hebrides Literature Development Plan: Discussion Day: Booking Form

Outer Hebrides Literature Development Plan: Discussion Day: Programme (PDF 100Kb)