Our mission is to give dramatic writers the tools they need to build better careers, and redefine the culture in which they work...
We achieve this by:
running a number of professional development programmes...
connecting dramatic writers to the industry and to each other, through networks
using the internet to support dramatic writers and those who work with them, by providing focused information, advice and guidance
"The work is a central force that links new writing throughout Britain.... "
Jude Kelly, Artistic Director, South Bank Centre |
writernet operates strategically across 4 areas - professional development, international work, cultural diversity and third sector: co-producing, publishing, providing information, advice and guidance, dramaturgical and other development support - in partnership with a wide range of organisations (see Projects and Partners)
"I've had more plays produced as a result of their contacts, bulletin and listings than through the Writers Guild, Theatre Writers Union or even through an agent..... a professional meeting point and a friend for new writers and for established writers... Having had a play produced off-Broadway this year in New York, the contact was made through writernet".
Jean Binnie, writer. |
By helping writers negotiate their way through the industry from all parts of the country and a wide diversity of backgrounds, we aim to enable the realisation of potential - often from connections not accessible via established channels.
"We feel strongly that the work done is not only importantly complementary to our own work for theatre writers but also provides a unique independent service."
Olwen Wymark, playwright, Theatre Committee, Writers Guild of Great Britain. |
Through professional development we encourage innovation, both through our commitment to a diversity of voices and our ability to stay abreast of trends in thinking and practice outside the new writing mainstream.
"We are very aware that an enormous number of writers have felt supported from within and through the organisation. Without compromising their artistic autonomy in any way, you have endorsed new writing through and on their behalf, for which every writer and new writing producer in the country is grateful."
Vicky Featherstone, formerly Artistic Director of Paines Plough, now Artistic Director, National Theatre of Scotland |
writernet is used by writers working in theatre, television, radio, film, live art and performance poetry; directors, producers, programmers, literary managers, dramaturgs, researchers, actors, management, unions, funders and many others. They use writernet because we are accessible and hold a lot of information about a wide range of writers and companies. This allows better quality commissions, collaborations and networking.
Director: Jonathan Meth
South West New Writing Network Co-ordinator: Sarah Dickenson
Administrator: Elizabeth Robertson
Hydroponic Project Dramaturg: Gabriel Gbadamosi
International Associate:Josip Rainer
Script Readers: Helen Eastman, Abigail Anderson, Rob Young, Rhiannon Tise
Intern: Terry Ezra
Bonnie Greer (Chair), Rhiannon Tise (Vice Chair), Sara Clifford (Company Secretary), Eleanor Clow (Treasurer), Robert Gordon, Nicholas McInerny, Richard Shannon, Philippa Shire
Peter Arnott, Glyn Cannon, Sara Clifford, Jennifer Farmer, Gabriel Gbadamosi, Bonnie Greer, Fin Kennedy, Nicholas McInerny, Kaite O'Reilly, Peter Rumney, Asmeed Sohoye, Rhiannon Tise, Louise Warren, Steve Waters, Roy Williams
Frances de la Tour, Andrew Davies, Elyse Dodgson, Richard Eyre, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Frank McGuinness, Winsome Pinnock, Corin Redgrave, Richard Wilson
writernet gratefully acknowledges current funding from: Arts Council England, London; Arts Council England, South East; Reading Borough Council; and the John Lyons Foundation
....and previous funding from The European Social Fund, via their Equal Programme; The New Opportunitiues Lottery Fund; The Bridge House Estates Charitable Trust, The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Baring Foundation, Golden Square Pictures, The Royal Victoria Hall Foundation, Arts & Business, the Northern Rock Foundation, The Belvedere Trust, The British Council and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
We would be very interested in your comments, views and questions about any aspect of the site.
Please email: info@writernet.org.uk
Charity Commission Registration Number 801373
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