SCOTLAND-based writer, Jenni Fagan, has been selected as the 2019 Dr Gavin Wallace Fellow, supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Fagan will become writer in residence at Edinburgh’s Summerhall for one year to produce new work inspired by the theme of change, sustainability and how the past informs the present.
Fagan will receive a £20,000 bursary, private work space at the multi-arts complex, a bespoke programme of support and engagement and access to the full range of Summerhall’s activities during the year.
Established in 2014, the annual fellowship provides a mid-career or established writer with time and support to develop new work in partnership with a host organisation.
On being appointed, Jenni Fagan said: “Being selected as the Dr Gavin Wallace Fellow at Summerhall is a dream opportunity on every level. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the past, present and future of this extraordinary place. There is so much to be inspired by and a lot of work to be done.
“I’m excited about the prospect of creating a poetic Almanac that captures 12 months, four seasons, and the ghosts, characters, artists that have influenced the character of the building. I’m interested in devoting each month to a different space in the building, different practitioners and events.
“I’m hugely influenced by art, music, animation, buildings, history and people in general. I can’t think of a more inspiring place to spend a year.”
Verity Leigh, programme manager, Summerhall, commented: “We are happy and proud to be working with Jenni Fagen as the 2019 Dr Gavin Wallace Fellow. In a very competitive field of proposals, we were won over by Jenni’s engagement with the life of the Summerhall building and her lively interest in the people who work here. We are incredibly excited about working with Jenni and looking forward to sharing her work with Summerhall’s staff, residents and audiences.”
Mairi Kidd, interim head of Literature, Languages & Publishing, Creative Scotland, said: “The Gavin Wallace Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for both the host organisation and writer – a chance for creative exploration and artistic experimentation over the course of a full year’s programme and work. The multi-talented Jenni Fagan – novelist, poet and screenwriter – is the perfect match for Summerhall’s multi-faceted cultural offering, and we are excited to support her in this opportunity.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Sophie Bambrough, media relations and PR officer, Creative Scotland.
E: sophie.bambrough@creativescotland.com / T: +44 (0) 131 523 0015
Notes to editors:
The Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship was established in 2013 in memory of a Creative Scotland colleague, Dr Gavin Wallace, who dedicated his entire professional life to supporting Scottish literature.
The inaugural Fellow Kirsty Logan undertook her fellowship in 2014 at the Association for Scottish Literary Studies (ASLS) at the University of Glasgow where she explored the theme of Place and its effect on Personal Identity. In 2015, Moniack Mhor hosted Jen Hadfield where she used the idea of flotsam and jetsam, to explore themes of place and identity. In 2016, National Library of Scotland hosted Angus Peter Campbell where he was invited to explore and be inspired by the ways in which the Library’s collections reflect Scotland’s past and present. In 2017, Morna Young was hosted by Creative Learning, Aberdeen City Council where she explored the theme of ‘The Folk, Language and Landscape of the Northeast. In 2018, Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland hosted Martin O’Connor in partnership with the Royal Lyceum Theatre, where he was invited to write and develop work for the stage that meets their creative ambition to work on a larger scale, relating to the theme Epic.
For further information about please visit: www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/targeted-funding/gavinwallacefellowship
Summerhall is a multi-art complex and events venue in Edinburgh, Scotland. The writer will have full access to the full range of Summerhall’s activities during the year, which means that, if they choose, they can attend more than 30 gigs, 120 Fringe shows, 12 exhibitions. Find out more: www.summerhall.co.uk
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
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