Write about Wigan! – Submission Guidance
Following the success of our ‘A to Z of Wiganese’ mural at Wigan North Western station, South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership have recently completed another project containing the work of local photographers and new graduates, featuring images of 25 iconic Wigan buildings nominated by the public.
Funded by Avanti West Coast, ‘Wonders of Wigan’ presents a mix of archive and modern images, all in black and white, along with a QR code providing a brief history of each place. The mural is printed onto individual panels, and gaps have been left to produce text panels, so we need your help to fill them!
We are asking local writers to produce short pieces of text (quotes/memories/poetry/prose) about why they love Wigan. We want to celebrate everything that’s good about Wigan, to provide a positive gateway for people passing through the station into the town. Links to railway are also welcome as the project is linked with this years ‘Railway 200’ campaign.
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Submission guidance notes are as follows:
The submitted piece should not exceed 100 words.
Send your submission as a word document attachment emailed to steph@boltoncommunityrail.org.uk. Head your submission email ‘Wigan Rail Poetry’ and ensure your name, title of piece and contact details are included in the email. Do not include your name on the attached document but make sure the title is identical to that in your email.
Indicate in the email whether you are a resident (or former resident), or working or studying in the borough (include post code and relevant details).
Previously published work can be submitted. If previously published your email should say where/when and vouch that all permissions have been obtained.
Write your piece in size 12 font and in Arial. Any style of poetry is acceptable from rhyme to blank verse.
Because this a publicly commissioned piece successful entrants must seek the permission of the organisers to use it elsewhere. Similarly, any commercial appropriation of the piece should seek the approval of the organisers and author.
No correspondence will be entered into by the organisers/judges other than to acknowledge receipt of submission and other than to those offered a commission.
Organisers will be looking for submissions which reflect the spirit of the town, including its people, events, achievements, history or buildings (including its railway stations). Their decision will be final.
Multiple applications can be submitted. Submit each poem (up to three) in separate emails following the instructions above.
We have limited space to print and install a maximum of 8 pieces, and those selected will receive a commission fee of £150, with their work also being on permanent display as part of the mural.
The deadline for submissions is 30th September and those selected will be informed by 31st October.
Our thanks to Dave Morgan for his help in coordinating this phase of the project, and to Avanti West Coast for providing funding.
