Systemic Inclusion: Representation and Diversity in UK Literary Festivals

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The initial research questions are:- What are some of the ways in which literary artists can develop work in active engagement and partnership with communities around issues of representation, identity, voice and representation?- What are some of the challenges for literary artists/ poets/ performers in this context?- What are the current practices, challenges and obstacles for UK literary festivals in addressing issues of representation and diversity?- What recommendations for future strategy and policy best practice can be made to effectively address issues of inclusivity and diversity in literary festival programming?Aspects of race, class, and disability will be explored through the work of The Stuart Hall Foundation and the Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity and The Ledbury Emerging Poetry Critics Scheme, the work of Kit de Waal and New Writing North on the Common People Project.The PhD will be undertaken in partnership with Sabotage Reviews, which runs the Saboteur Festival. This will support the development of an understanding of the current practice of literature festivals, the pressures of organising a festival, and links to the research questions above including in terms of promoting inclusivity.The student will be encouraged to bring her own interests to shape the project, based on the student's expertise in writing and wellbeing and the potential of contributing an exciting and original perspective to issues of diversity and inclusion in literary festivals.