‘The Irish Writers’ Centre, in association with the Italian Cultural Institute, is delighted to announce the launch of a Pilot Project: ‘Cultural Exchange Initiative 2011…. The objective is to foster cultural links which can be nurtured and strengthened in the coming years. Discussions are already underway for an Italo-Irish Literary Festival in the near future’.
As part of this initiative I was one among a group of “emerging” Irish writers who attended a round table discussion at the Irish Writers’ Centre last Saturday morning. Proceedings were chaired by the excellent Catherine Dunne and the always interesting Jack Harte. The purpose of the meeting was to engage with our Italian counterparts and exchange ideas and experiences surrounding the act of writing, translating and to discuss routes to publication. Common themes emerged, not surprisingly, and there was a shared enthusiasm for the written word in all its forms. Translation was a recurring subject, and there was much informed discussion lead by the Italian contingent many of whom were experienced translators. I particularly enjoyed listening to Federica Sgaggio, Francesca Cappelli and Anna Anzani on this topic – their enthusiasm for the art of translation was hugely apparent.
As part of proceedings we read short extracts from poems and stories to give our visitors a feel for the nature and diversity of our work. Myself, Mark Kilroy, Monica Strina, Orla Fay, Niamh MacAlister, June Caldwell, Finbarr Rafferty and Edel Corrigan all read and spoke briefly of our experiences as writers in Ireland. All attendees spoke honestly about the difficulties inherent in placing work with a publisher. The main problem, regardless of age or experience, seemed to be finding a publisher who would actually read a full manuscript.
It’s also worth saying at this stage what a great job the Irish Writers’ Centre is doing these days. Since losing its Arts Council funding a couple of years back, the new board headed by chairman Jack Harte has revitalised the centre with the much appreciated help of people like June Caldwell and Edel Corrigan who, along with others, gave their time for free. Long may the good work continue!
Hi Brian,
Just found this post – thanks for the mention! It was great day and experience and fantastic to hear all the readers/writers.
Best of luck with your writing,
Edel
Hi Edel, great to hear from you! Stay in touch won’t you