Following the success of the 2022 bursary scheme, last year we partnered with Moniack Mhor once again to offer support to writers from underrepresented Scottish identities through our funding stream The Second Life Awards. Nominated by Scottish BPOC Writers’ Network and Sanctuary Queer Arts, the two recipients will receive individual support from Moniack Mhor to develop their writing practice.
Mae Diansangu is a queer poet and spoken word artist from Aberdeen. She has performed at literary festivals across Scotland and appeared on BBC Scotland’s Big Scottish Book Club and BBC Radio 4’s Tongue and Talk. Her series of poems “black lives, heavy truths” is part of the National Library of Scotland’s collection. You can read her work in the anthologies “Tales fae the Doric Side” and “Re creation – a queer poetry anthology”. Mae writes in both English and Doric, and her first collection BLOODSONGS (Tapsalteerie) will be published in Autumn 2024.
Raman Mundair is an Indian born, director, writer, artist, activist, filmmaker and playwright. She is not neuro-typical and identifies as disabled, Queer and a British Asian intersectional feminist. She is based in Shetland and Glasgow. She is the award winning author of Lovers, Liars, Conjurers and Thieves, A Choreographer’s Cartography, The Algebra of Freedom (a play) and is the editor of Incoming: Some Shetland Voices.
On the announcement of the recipients, Chair of the Trust Chris Creegan said: “We are delighted to partner with Moniack Mhor again to support two new poets on their creative journey. Aligning with our commitment to support underrepresented poets in Scotland and widen their access to opportunities, these bursaries will enable marginalised writers to develop their craft in a nurturing environment. We’re proud to help facilitate this important programme and excited to see what new work Mae and Raman will produce.”
edwinmorgantrust.com 