In these unprecedented, difficult times, creativity and culture are where people turn for solace and comfort. The writers we work with have told us that they still want and value opportunities to create, write and connect, even to interpret the current situation by having time, space and support to write.
We have been working hard to move our regular programme of creative workshops and masterclasses online, shaping new opportunities for writers, and ensuring that these are accessible. In recognition of the financial difficulties many people are facing, we are committed to offering the programme for free to all writers who are unable to pay.
If you can make a donation to our campaign to support writers and Spread the Word in this time, and support the valuable work of the Trussell Trust, you can do so here:
Paying artists
Usually, our workshops and masterclasses cost around £45 with short courses starting from £90. This is because we are committed to fair and reasonable pay for both our staff and the writers and industry experts. We aim to create inclusive accessible spaces for all writers to connect and create and are committed to providing the access support writers need, such as BSL interpreters. Like many other charities, we are losing money for each day our offices and programmes are closed. But we are also looking around our local communities and seeing the immense hardship so many people are living through – particularly people who are poor, isolated and marginalised.
Support for underrepresented people
In keeping with our core purpose of supporting London’s under-represented writers, we are doing three things.
1) We are offering our new online programme for free to any writer who cannot afford to pay.
2) We are providing access support to any writer who needs it.
3) We are asking those who are able and willing to do so to make a donation of their choice.
Donations will be split 50/50 and support our work at Spread the Word while we cannot run face to face activities and the lifesaving work of the Trussell Trust, getting food to those who are most vulnerable.
Please give what you can. Thank you.
You can read more about the work of the Trussell Trust at http://www.trusselltrust.org
Published 23 April 2020