A new project involving Aberdeen University is seeking submissions for an anthology of Doric writing.
The collaboration between spoken word artist and writer Jo Gilbert, Aberdeen University’s Elphinstone Institute and the Friends of the Elphinstone Institute is funded by Aberdeen City Council Creative Funding.
New and established writers are encouraged to send their best poetry, short stories, flash fiction and short plays for consideration.
All work must be previously unpublished and each contributor will receive a payment of £50 and a copy of the anthology.
The work will be selected by Mrs Gilbert and a panel of north-east writers, including Sheena Blackhall, Mae Diansangu and Shane Strachan, whose work will also feature in the book.
Opportunity for local artists
The project is also looking for vibrant and eye-catching artwork that will fit on an A5 book cover and can be in any form (paint, print, digital design etc.) but must be digitised to submit.
North-east based artists have until midnight on January 1, 2023 to submit their work, with the selected artist receiving £100.
The project has two main goals, which are to:
- Create paid opportunities for new and established writers to showcase their work.
- Create a companion pamphlet to accompany the anthology comprising of questions and activities that secondary schools and teachers can use in their Scots language work.
The pamphlet panel will be led by Dawn Leslie, a lecturer in linguistics at the Aberdeen University, who teaches a Doric undergraduate course.
The project arose from conversations with teachers and others working in and around Scots, as a lack of new work suitable for older students in Doric was identified, sparking the idea for an anthology of new writing.
‘Providing more opportunities for local artists and writers is important’
Mrs Gilbert said: “I’m looking forward to working with the other writers on the panel and everyone on this project. It’s taken a while to put it all together and get the funding in, so I can’t wait to read the submissions we get and see all the art.
“Providing more opportunities for local artists and writers is important to me, both personally and professionally. There’s a buzz and enthusiasm in our creative community right now and I hope that the anthology will contribute to that momentum and create a legacy beyond the launch.”
‘Currently, interest in Doric/north-east Scots is at a high’
Public and community engagement officer at the Elphinstone Institute, Simon Gall added: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Friends of the Elphinstone Institute and Jo Gilbert with this crucial project.
“The institute has a long-standing interest in, and commitment to, supporting the Scots language and its speakers, and works extensively with others to bring these kinds of cultural projects to life.
“Currently, interest in Doric/north-east Scots is at a high and we think this anthology will be welcomed by both those working in education and Doric speakers more generally.”
The anthology will be published through Doric Books – a community interest company dedicated to promoting the language.
Conversation