Literary promoters aim to unlock Lewisham’s hidden writing talents
An organisation committed to helping new writers find a voice is launching initiatives for budding poet and prose authors in Lewisham.
The campaign group Spread the Word has a bold vision to see Lewisham become the UK’s first Borough of Literature. The idea was launched at the Deptford Literature Festival in March and there are several ways that people can get involved.
Under the title ‘To All the Places I Have Read’, the Borough of Literature commissions will invite three people to create new writing that reflects the diverse experiences and voices of Lewisham.
The commissions are open to residents of Lewisham. They are looking for writing that captures the essence of gathering spaces in the borough and their significance in daily life.
This could be evocative poems (no longer than 62 lines each) or short stories (1,000-1,500 words) inspired by the unique stories and atmospheres found within, for example, Lewisham’s local green spaces, cafes, libraries, community spaces and restaurants.
The commissions will be shared at the Deptford Literature Festival, both in the festival magazine and at a Borough of Literature event next March.
The second opportunity is connected to the Deptford Literature Festival, which will take place again in March 2025. Spread the Word are currently looking for London-based writers, poets, artists, arts and community organisations to be part of the festival programme.
They are looking for three to five events created by writers, poets, artists, and arts/community organisations based in London, with a preference towards those based in Deptford and the borough of Lewisham, and/or delivering activity with clear connections to the area.
These activities could include writing workshops, readings, community engagement, performances, talks, walks, participatory sessions, cross-arts activity, local heritage activity, or any literature-related activity that is relevant to the South London audience.
To find out more, visit: https://www.spreadtheword.org.uk/deptford-literature-festival-2025-open-call/
Pictured top: A gathering at the Deptford Literature Festival (Picture: Spread the Word)