WRITERS from low-income backgrounds across Wales are being encouraged to achieve their long-term ambitions with the support of a 12-month programme.

Literature Wales says it wants the literary culture of Wales to truly represent the variety and diversity of the population, and is offering support for Welsh writers in their development.

The second round of its professional development programme for writers, Representing Wales, is a 12-month programme, funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales.

The programme includes a financial award of up to £3,500 to help writers take time out to write, attend training sessions and literary events and to support travel expenses.

Also included are one-to-one mentoring; monthly workshops and talks; as well as opportunities to network, make new contacts and build relationships with other writers.

Lleucu Siencyn, Chief Executive of Literature Wales said: “Literature is a democratic art form, and everyone can benefit from the process of writing or reading creatively.

"However, a career in creative writing is not available to all.

"Recent research and our consultation with writers clearly demonstrate that economic disparity leads to inequality of opportunity. We need to work hard across the sector to level the playing field.

"Nothing can quite compete with the confidence that economic security can give, but we hope that the 13 writers who will benefit from Representing Wales will gain the tools, insight and information needed to boost their confidence and reach their writing ambitions.”

The first edition of the programme, was launched in 2020, and the second round will support another cohort of 13 writers to develop their own literary potential.

The writers are selected by a panel from low-income backgrounds, including Tanya Byrne (chair), Connor Allen, Iola Ynyr, Emma-Jane Smith-Barton, and Niall Griffiths.

After the 12-month programme, Literature Wales will continue to work with the cohort and with other partners to make sure they are able to receive the support and advice they need.

Applications for the second edition of Representing Wales opened on October 26, and the deadline for applications is Tuesday, December 14.

The programme will begin in March 2022 and run until the end of February 2023.