“For poetry makes nothing happen: it survives
In the valley of its making where executives
Would never want to tamper, flows on south
From ranches of isolation and the busy griefs,
Raw towns that we believe and die in; it survives,
A way of happening, a mouth.”
W H Auden
THE SOUTH is a leading creative writing organisation, which aims to develop talented writers, audiences and reader communities in Brighton, Hove, Sussex and the South of England. And it is doing some vital and innovative programming to ensure that the creative streams of writing and writing resources are available to all.
Formed by writers for writers, it offers an informative and supportive network for writers of all genres. The initiative works in partnership with other bodies locally, regionally, nationally and international; and has a deep commitment to freedom of expression, diversity and equality of opportunity.
The South also supports a wide range of writer/audience activities including;
literary events, publications, networking and advice, a South Friendship scheme, new writing commissions, community/education projects, festival organization, heritage writing projects, tours and walks, workshops, the Brighton Writers’ Centre, South East Literature Forum SELF, and the SEALION literature event guide: www.sealion.org.uk.
The South’s writing development philosophy is founded upon sound understanding and analysis of the writer/audience relationship-cycle. For example, the group recognises that:
According to the team at The South, “…potential readers, current readers and present and future lovers of literature respond to works of quality. The informed public is attracted to events and publications of quality work,” and this in turn, “…leads to reader development. At the same time specific reader development actions can be conducted through community and educational/interactive projects. Improved reading abilities create improved individual economic prospects and more established readers.”
In 2004 they launched the, More Mouth Down South scheme – to encourage and support the lost art of memorising poetry in schools. The South wanted to contribute to the new understanding of the power of poetry in literacy development. So after more than fifty years of “educational experimentation”, The South played its part in re-introducing the arcane practice of poetic recitation, contending that good reading makes for good readers. And as anyone who loves words will attest – high time too!
Children’s exposure to quality writing (which is not only beautiful but also brim-full of meaning) has been the subject of much debate. Amid concerns of cultural relevance and “elitism” many marvellous writers have ended their school days in the dustbin. There is of course nothing elitist about Shakespeare or any great writing; except in the minds of politically correct bureaucrats. Love, honour, friendship, politics, revenge, conspiracies and misunderstandings galore – that sounds a lot like our world. And writing of calibre is quite simply everyone’s birthright; the only question is how to facilitate access. There is no difference between learning to play the cello and understanding a sonnet – both require some skill and perseverance.
“Memorising poetry (is known to) improves memory skills…as well as increasing emotional intelligence and insight. It breeds an internal richness of connection and empathy,” says The South’s Artistic Director, poet Brendan Cleary.
Learning poetry in this way can often help young people to develop their reading and language skills, and overall confidence. “Poetry is the only art form you ingest”, says T S Eliot Prize Winner Don Paterson. “We want children to discover that poetry can taste just as good as chocolate and it lasts much longer – for a whole lifetime in fact.“ Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion agrees; “There is something absolutely primitive, emotional and visceral about poetry which children lock onto extremely quickly and naturally.”
More Mouth Down South also links with The South’s campaign to give those community members who are disadvantaged, “…more of a say through innovative programming, such as the highly successful, Voice the Voiceless creative writing and video workshops.”
Ultimately, The South has a working policy of access for all.
The South’s more recent projects include:
A complete programme of events is available at www.thesouth.org.uk. One-day Tickets: £16/£12 conc. Weekend Tickets: £24/£16 conc.
This will be followed by The South’s special event Queer Writing Workshop on Monday, 12th June (7-9pm) at the Brighton Writer’s Centre. The workshop will explore the rise of queer writing and examine the question: Is there such a thing as lesbian/gay writing? Facilitators Maria Jastrzebska and John McCullough will facilitate the creative exploration. Beginners and experienced writers are welcome.
It is the task of The South to champion the diversity of experience, expression and identity of regional writers. In this way The South can play a vital role in de-centralising writing opportunities/resources and in facilitating stronger relationships between writers, publishers, the media and readers. What was once only associated with London, the writer’s mecca – is increasingly becoming available wherever you live. The South is clearly in the frontline of encouraging, resourcing, promoting and celebrating new writers and in creating a regional cultural hub of writer/reader-centred activity.
