UpLift literature leadership scheme for young people of colour launches

Words of Colour Productions and the Irish Writers Centre have unveiled UpLift, an international literature leadership initiative for young people of colour aged between 18 and 30.

The two organisations are partnering to deliver the new pilot international workshop and mentoring initiative for those with ambitions of leadership in the literature sector across Ireland and the UK.

The programme will support two arts practitioners of colour based on the island of Ireland aged from 18 to 30 with mentoring and workshops from award-winning writer and publisher Farhana Shaikh (pictured) of indie press Dahlia Publishing, along with award-winning poet Nick Makoha. Six UK-based and four Irish-based practitioners of colour will also be supported through the expertise offered by Shaikh and Makoha in the workshops. 

“Ideal mentorship candidates are people who feel they have the potential to encourage writers and audiences of colour to participate in the Irish Writers Centre and to contribute to the wider Irish literary scene,” organisers said.  

Workshops will focus on authentic leadership, identifying strengths and purpose and how to make creative ideas happen as well as supporting participants develop transformative work within the literature sector.  

The mentoring sessions and workshops will be held digitally. Workshops will take place on 5th and 12th March 2022, with mentoring sessions to be arranged between the mentor and mentee. 

Heather Marks, creative producer at Words of Colour Productions, said: “The workshops offered by Farhana and Nick are an incredible opportunity to disarm the invisible conversations that go on in our heads as people of colour in artistic spaces — ‘Do I belong here? Can I do this?’ — and find a purpose around which you can orient your creative practice. Test your ideas, challenge them — maybe even explode them — knowing that you’ll emerge with an unshakeable sense of what you can do. To be a leader is a challenge, and this programme is to help young people of colour rise to that challenge.”  

Shaikh commented: “If you're thinking of applying but aren't sure you're the person we're looking for, I'd encourage you to put yourself forward. Leadership happens at all levels, and this programme will be a fantastic opportunity to work with myself and Nick to develop your skills and practice. I can't wait to explore the things that matter to me — around authentic leadership and stepping outside of your comfort zone to better understand what leadership looks like.”  

Valerie Bistany, director of the Irish Writers Centre, said: “This is the 30th anniversary of the Irish Writers Centre: UpLift, in partnership with Words of Colour, an important and timely project reflecting a diverse Ireland, and is a fitting way to help us celebrate our existence and relevance to writers.  

Uplift is supported by the International Literature Showcase Collaboration Fund. The International Literature Showcase is a partnership between the National Centre for Writing and the British Council. 

Applications opened on 10th November and close at midnight on 10th December 2021. They can be made through the Irish Writers Centre website. Any questions can be directed to Cassia Gaden Gilmartin at projects@writerscentre.ie.