Dumfries and Galloway Virtual Writer in Residence

With 105 miles between Langholm and Stranraer, it isn't easy for a writer-in-residence in Dumfries and Galloway to support writers right across the region. The virtual residency - the first of its kind in Scotland - aims to reach parts other residents can't easily reach, by taking advantage of the power of IT.

Following an award from the partners artist in residency programme, Fiction writer and playwright Jules Horne is working for Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association to pilot several computer-based projects to find out what technology has to offer writers in a large rural area.

'Inevitably, it's harder for writers living in Dumfries and Galloway to get to readings and workshops to meet people with similar writing interests and experience, and find specialised feedback. Also, the constant renewal that feeds creativity can sometimes be lacking in a small, disparate writing community. So we're trying out ways to address that through the virtual residency'.

Many writers in Dumfries and Galloway have already tuned into the advantages of the internet for people working in isolation. Some are taking Open University or Open College of the Arts courses with online teaching modules, or have joined online writing communities such as trAce. Others are taking part in international forums on specialised areas such as poetry or artists' books. Most regularly use the internet as a tool for research and inspiration. A writers' hub and blog have been set up to share these discoveries and publish writing news about and from the region. This will also contain writing exercises, stimulus material and further links for groups working on their own.

Online mentoring is already underway with a number of writers who either can't attend groups or prefer individual feedback. The Dumfries and Galloway council library service is providing the technical backup for a forum where writers will be able to exchange work and news online. It will hold links to blog-based writing websites set up by writers themselves, with training from the writer in residence.

Jules is also building an audio archive of readings by visiting and local writers, to be downloaded via the internet. 'We're experimenting with podcasting as a way of ensuring writers don't have to miss out on the live events we run, even if they don't live locally. This also has potential as a way for local writers to reach a bigger audience for their work. The aim is to have an online counterpart for our live events so that travel isn't an obstacle.'

Although this is a virtual residency, Jules says it has been important to have a proper presence in the region. She has travelled around Dumfries and Galloway to meet local writers and emphasises that the residency is about real writer-to-writer support. 'The technology is a means to an end; it helps us to reach more writers in a region where distance makes it harder for people to access opportunities.'

Jules Horne can be contacted through Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association on 01387 253383.

Did you know? The Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association was established in 1985 and is supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Arts Council. It is an independent arts development agency governed by a Board of Directors and with professional staff serving South West Scotland. Its remit covers the performing arts (music, drama and literature), art in public, and arts in the community. It is a resource for information on regional arts and artists, organisations and contacts and on fund-sourcing for regional arts activities.

Partners: Scotland's Artist Residency Programme is supported by the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council