Job Description
The writer will research and develop original family friendly work inspired by the town, the Tower of the Church and the rich history of the local environs. They will also work with local schoolchildren to develop creative stories around the Tower, run a workshop for emerging or aspiring writers and contribute to the performance event which will mark the finale of the Tower Stories in June 2025. The residency will take place over ten months from September 2024 – June 2025.
The Grade 1 listed parish church presents a powerful and lasting image to our small town, standing towards the western end of Mere, approximately 200 metres from the town centre in a conservation area. The tower, 124 feet high is a landmark from the Wiltshire Downlands to the north and east and across to the Vale of Blackmore to the south.
The project is to develop a community programme which brings to life the Tower’s rich and varied story by creating new interpretation that focuses on the Tower’s rich heritage and the part played by the stonemasons, the gilders, the architects, the bell ringers and the local people of Mere.
The Writer-in-Residence will develop the rich story each room in the Tower has to tell.
- The Bell Room (used by a regular team of 15 bell-ringers)
- the Clock Room (C18th turret clock and Medieval chime barrel)
- The Belfry (Eight Bells with the oldest cast in 1460)
- The Roof (at a height of 124ft with magnificent views of the Blackmore Vale and Mere Downs)
- The carved graffiti (1551 – current)
- The peregrine falcon
This is not a faith led project it is a community project. It is important that it draws all to the rich heritage of the building.
Job Responsibilities
A writer-in-residency for The Tower Stories will:
- Spend time researching the archives and reading existing research. Embed themselves into the site, getting to know our knowledgeable and passionate teams.
- Generate high quality, creative and original family friendly writing/material in response to the Tower and its history.
- Work closely with all those involved in the site to draw out contemporary stories as well as history.
- Provide visitors and local communities more opportunities to engage with St Michael’s through interpretative materials, fictional writing, workshops and any other events the programme generates.
- Support local schools and students to understand the heritage of the site and see it as an inspiration going forward.
- Create a legacy through writing The Tower Stories – particularly for children and young adults. This writing can be used long after the project is finished and may be interpreted in many different mediums.
Find out more
Deadline: 5 April 2024
Source: Arts Jobs