Heritage is aching to be interpreted. For us to look into the story behind the fact. We might know who lived here and what they did, but who did they love, what did they laugh at, what did they hope for? That is information that we very rarely have. Even when we do, it can be difficult to place that information in the site, to picture the writer sitting at the table scratching away when that very table is behind a rope. That’s where you, as a creative, step in.
You look past the rope and the glass covering the portraits. You take a small snippet of a letter, a fact about the origins of a chair, whatever it may be, and you spin it into a story. Once you have your story though, it can be hard to figure out what to do with it next. I’ve been fortunate enough to do a few residencies and projects with historical sites, so wanted to share some tips and tricks that should help you get your writing into the world.
My experiences
I have now worked on three different history related projects; Writing the Archive 2, I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell and Hearing History at Erddig. These have been spread out over the course of 2-3 years, and there have been many residencies in between that I have applied for and not gotten, so please bear that in mind when you apply and take the tips below with a pinch of salt!
The life cycle of a residency
The below is not from one specific residency but an amalgamation to show you what you might come across and get to work with.
Application
Let the application reviewer understand your creative process and any ideas you may have, without restricting yourself. It often isn’t wise to go in with a set idea, but to show that you are willing to explore different avenues and ideas.
Explore
You will often be invited to explore the space, site or archive. This should be expensed, and if it is not explicitly stated, make sure to ask if it can be.
When there, enter with an open mind. It is natural to go in with preconceptions, but there will likely be much you do not know and can learn from your visit. Make sure to engage with staff and volunteers, as they are often treasure troves. Remember to make some notes, but try to keep them brief during the visit itself, engaging first and foremost with the materials.
Research
Dig in to what intrigued you most from the visit. This can be through the internet, getting in touch with staff or by borrowing or buying books. If you are planning to buy material to aid in your research, be sure to ask if this could be funded as a resource cost. You can then use this research to inform your piece better as you develop a better insight into the nature of the residency.
Draft
It can always be helpful to present a proposal or draft to those running the residency as they will have expert advice that could allow you to further develop your work. Doing this early into the process will also help ensure you are on the right path, as some residencies look for specific outcomes.
Structure
Here is where you pull together all the strands, research and advice into a piece. While creating your work it can be helpful to consider the structure and presentation of your work as this will likely be seen by members of the public. Key considerations can include not only font and colour, but also spacing, images and sound.
Present
Residencies are often long processes, even after you have submitted your final draft, as organisers will likely need to arrange promotional content, publication and a showcase event. From start to finish a residency may take up to a year. So when the day of the showcase or launch finally comes, make sure to enjoy!
Delivering a creative writing workshop to fellow Young Producers
Application tips
- Try to tailor your application for the residency.
I know that sounds obvious, but the most important part of tailoring your application for the residency/commission is the pieces you choose to put in the portfolio section. Most residencies will ask for 2 – 3 pages of your work. Tailoring this to the application doesn’t mean writing something new for it, but…
- Quality over quantity.
The old adage. Those reading your application can tell when you have put in the time to an application (and when you haven’t). Rather than burning yourself out, pick a select few and sink some time into it. It will pay off. Don’t force yourself into something that doesn’t suit you.
Following on from that, it will show if you are forcing yourself into applying for a project for the sake of being on a project. If you are interested in writing in heritage, I promise the right one will be there.
- Approach applications with an open mind.
Most commissions will specify if they want a set idea from you before the project begins. In that case, ignore this next bit. However, most commissions want you to come in with an open mind, explore the site or the archives and then come up with a solid idea. This can make writing an application tricky. Take your time to explore what the brief is about, what the site or archive is and think about what it is that makes you want to write about it. Then, in your application talk about what in the brief inspires you and what questions have cropped up for you. Demonstrate your curiosity!
- If it isn’t there, make it yourself.
It can be hard to find a specific residency or to get on to one if you don’t have much experience. Make your own residency. Pick a local archive or site if you can’t travel far, come up with your own brief and do what you do best – write! Approach the site/archive with your finished piece and have a discussion about displaying it somewhere and giving you some credit. Encourage them to share it on social media or their blog. And there you have it, some experience that will give you a leg up on your next application.
Places to keep an eye on
Arts Council England: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/
Creative Access: https://opportunities.creativeaccess.org.uk/jobs
UNESCO City of Literature: https://www.citiesoflit.com/
Note: Pick the city you reside in. Many of these will have their own opportunities boards. You will have to live in that city to take part.
Creative Scotland: https://www.creativescotland.com/