Roscommon Arts centre is one of six venues around the country that has formed the new 'LIVE' Network - a literary network that supports writers, publishers and literary producers to share work.
The venture has emerged from the Literary Audience Development Scheme run in association with Words Ireland that has been operational in the venues since August 2018.
The new LIVE Network comprises six partners - Roscommon Arts Centre, The Backstage Theatre (Longford ), The Ramor Theatre (Cavan ), The Source Arts Centre (Tipperary ), Droichead Arts Centre (Louth ) and The Riverbank Arts Centre (Kildare ) and each venue is developing a literary programme in consultation with Literary Audience Development Officer Dani Gill.
“LIVE” or “Literature in Venues Experiences, Experiments and Events” literary offerings will include One Book projects, author events, Poetry Day celebrations and creative writing workshops.
In response to COVID-19, The 'LIVE' Network has created a new digital series for audiences to engage with online via YouTube that features six Irish writers, including Roscommon born poet, Jane Clarke.
In each session, the writer chats to Audience Development Officer Dani Gill about their latest book over a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of wine! Intimate and insightful, the series will give readers a chance to hear an extract from the book, get a sense of the story and meet the writer virtualy, in their home.
At this critical time of restrictions, the arts have been front and centre of people’s lives as thousands stream home concerts and facilities such as BorrowBox quadruple in sign ups. Audience Development Officer Dani Gill commented on the programme and what it seeks to do.
"The LIVE Network have come together at this time to offer something for audiences. We are looking at a landscape of uncertainty and great worry, now more than ever engagement with the arts is so important for our communities. This series offers a break and a window into a writer’s life and process, readers will be able to get a sense of something they may not have read yet, and it’s an opportunity to sit down and have a cup of tea and listen to a nice conversation."
The first episode of the series goes live on You Tube on Friday, May 8, and new episodes will air each Friday for six weeks. Writers featured in the series include Liz Nugent, Kevin Barry, Jane Clarke, Elaine Feeney, Alan McMonagle and Hilary Fannin.
To subscribe to the channel and watch the series just follow this link: ENDSFor more information please contact Dani Gill, Literary Audience Development Officer, LIVE network Co-ordinator. [email protected] 085-7604072.