Unique event starts countywide conversation about Leicesters literary scene
On Wednesday 13 December literary enthusiasts from across the county came together to look at the literary activity that takes place in Leicester/shire and what can be done to raise the profile of the scene.
Speaking at the event, which was chaired by Attenborough Arts Centre director, Michaela Butter MBE, were:
● Henderson Mullin, Chief Executive Officer, Writing East Midlands (WEM)
● James Urquhart, Relationship Manager for Literature in the Midlands, Arts Council England
● Farhana Shaikh, Dahlia Publishing / Leicester Writes Short Story Prize
● Matthew Pegg, Mantle Arts / Mantle Lane Press
● Emma Lee, President, Leicester Writers Club, and
● Bobba Cass, Pinggg...k!
Cllr Sarah Russell, Deputy City Mayor with responsibilities for Children, Young People's Services, Leicester City Council, also contributed views to the discussion via a video that was recorded prior to the event. The video, together with more detailed notes on how the discussion went will be available in a few weeks' time.
Event organiser Ambrose Musiyiwa said: "The December 13 event is the start of a conversation Leicester/shire needs to have about the literary activity that takes place here.
"The event was a Leicester Writers' Showcase event. To give space to as many different voices as possible two upcoming events on July 11, 2018 and December 12, 2018 will be organised in association with other groups that are active on the Leicester/shire literary scene. Venues and speakers will be announced closer to the event."