ArtfulScribe (AS) is pleased to announce its first Writer in Residence role aimed at connecting the landscape and forest inhabitants with wider audiences through written and/or spoken word responses to the New Forest and its environments. The residency will be based at The Countryside Education Trust in Beaulieu – one of the few places in the UK bringing farming, conservation, and climate education together. The residency is funded by the New Forest National Park Authority’s sustainable communities fund which is a grant scheme to strengthen the wellbeing and sustainability of communities within the national park.

We are seeking an experienced writer with a history of publishing, who is keen to position their writing within the context of the New Forest National Park, and can respond to the range of seasonal activities that take place at The Countryside Education Trust. This Residency represents a substantial opportunity for the selected writer to establish new networks and to focus their work in a rich and diverse setting. The Residency will be developed specifically in relation to the selected writer, their practice and the proposed focus of their residency proposal.

ArtfulScribe invites expressions of interest from writers who have both a knowledge of and interest in nature and environmental writing. We anticipate working with a pro-active, creative, and flexible Writer-in-Residence who is also open, and approachable with experience of engaging directly with the public. Expressions of interest should include a cover letter explaining your interest in this opportunity and proposed focus of the residency (max. 1,000 words), biography, along with links to any other relevant or online content and examples of recent writing practise to be submitted via email as a single PDF or Word document. A panel comprised of representatives for New Forest National Park Authority, The Countryside Education Trust, and ArtfulScribe will meet and agree a shortlist for interview. The interview will be conducted by the same panel of three.

The fee will be £5,000 for a commitment of up to 40 days over a maximum 12-month period with hot-desking provided at The Countryside Education Trust in Beaulieu. As part of the residency the Writer-in-Residence will be expected to maintain a regular blog/journal/podcast and hold a series of public events that develop different voices in the community. The residency will culminate in an offer of publishing support from ArtfulScribe to produce a small publication in conjunction with The Countryside Education Trust and the New Forest National Park Authority. We are open to the form this could take with the potential for workshops, recitals, screenings, performances, pamphlets, bookworks, zines, etc. 

For further information or to discuss this opportunity further please contact: matt@artfulscribe.co.uk

Expressions of interest should be emailed to matt@artfulscribe.co.uk  Deadline for receipt of expressions of interest is Monday 13th May 2024 at 10am with interviews scheduled to take place w/c Monday 20^th May and the appointment being announced later that week. 

Further Information:

New Forest National Park Authority 

About the New Forest National Park Authority

Protect – Enjoy – Prosper

The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
- Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park – Protect.
- Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:
Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.

Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.

Countryside Education Trust 

The Countryside Education Trust is an environmental education charity, working to connect people to the countryside.  We work from two fabulous sites:  Home Farm our residential centre, a farm, garden orchard and new climate centre; and the New Forest Study Centre, treehouses in ancient woodland close by.  Our work encompasses day and residential school visits, playgroups, lectures, rural skills courses and public events.  We do all our own farming, gardening and conservation with a team of committed volunteers.  Next year will be our 50^thanniversary!

NEWRITE

The Residency forms part of the NEWRITE Literature Development project that aims to develop the profile of writers and writing in the New Forest. NEWRITE is a two-year development strategy and programme, led by ArtfulScribe, supported by partners including Forest Arts Centre, Hampshire Cultural Trust, SPUDworks, Culture in Common, Artswork, MAST Mayflower Studios, Solent Mind, St Barbe Museum and Gallery, and New Forest District Council.  NEWRITE is made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

ArtfulScribe 

ArtfulScribe aims to find, develop and promote new and emerging writers and audiences for Live Literature by hosting creative writing workshops, Live Literature events, and open mics that inspire, educate and entertain.

Covering a wide range of writing styles and techniques, catering for all ages and levels of ability, as an organisation we are committed to empowering self-expression in the community by developing skills and confidence, raising the profile of writers and writing in Southampton, Hampshire, and neighbouring counties.

www.artfulscribe.co.uk