Welcome to our recap of the great writers who appeared on Digithon Lit stage over the weekend including Sarah Waters and Jennifer Killick.
The crowdfunder associated with Digithon Lit to raise the money for an emergency fund to help artists and freelancers who have been financially impacted by the cancellation of work is STILL LIVE. And You can donate here.
Sarah Waters reads from her most recent novel, The Paying Guests (Virago).
Max Boyce recites one of his most poignant works, “The Incredible Plan”.
Owen Sheers reads from his ode to the NHS, To Provide All People (Faber & Faber).
Samantha Wynne-Rydderch reads a selection of her finest work.
Ailbhe Darcy The Wales Book of the Year -winning poet reads from her collection, Insistence (Bloodaxe).
Lucy Owen reads from her children’s book, The Sea House.
Eloise Williams A short profile film on the first Children’s Laureate of Wales.
Darren Chetty reads his popular essay on the Max Boyce album Live at Treorchy.
Alys Conran the award-winning novelist and poet reads her poem, “Happiness”.
Gary Raymond reads from his critical acclaimed novel, The Golden Orphans (Parthian).
Tristan Hughes reads an excerpt from his new short story collection, Shattercone (Parthian).
Jennifer Killick reads from her brilliant new kids horror novel, Crater Lake.
Richard Owain Roberts reads from his debut novel, Hello Friend We Missed You (Parthian).
Cynan Jones reads from his story, “The Unbendy Giant”.
David Llewellyn reads from his critical-acclaimed novel, A Simple Scale (Seren).
Ifor ap Glyn reads from his remembrance poem, “Cyfandir O Gofio”.
Christina Thatcher reads from her new collection How to Carry Fire (Parthian).
The Arcade Poets a filmed compendium of performances from the Arcade Poets.
At Wales Arts Review we believe a healthy thriving creative culture is the backbone of any progressive society. It is clear now that in the wake of the outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus, that many people who are vital contributors to the arts and culture of Wales will be taking significant financial hits as a result of necessary decisions taken to counteract the spread of the illness. Working as a freelancer in the arts is more often than not a precarious financial balancing act, particularly in Wales, and so Wales Arts Review is launching this crowdfunder in order to raise an emergency hardship fund for people struggling to make ends meet over the next few weeks due to the cancellation or postponement of projects brought about by Covid-19.
As the disruptions continue to intensify, it is important to remember many artists and workers in the creative industry are self-employed, and will be unable to collect an income as live events, workshops, and productions are cancelled or postponed indefinitely. At Wales Arts Review we have heard of many stories of people now being unable to pay rent or put food the table. We believe it is the responsibility of government, and in many cases the governing bodies of arts funding, to take a lead on these issues, and while we wait for that, Wales Arts Review wants to provide a space for the public to help alleviate some of the anxiety and hardship that is becoming widespread at the moment.
