Supported by The Second Life Awards, Disability Arts Online (DAO) have extended their Associate Artist programme into Scotland for the second time, working with a Scottish disabled poet to support their practice over a period of 12–18 months.
Edinburgh-based poet and writer Elspeth Wilson is interested in exploring the limitations and possibilities of the body. She writes about joy and happiness from a marginalised perspective and her debut poetry pamphlet, Too Hot to Sleep, is published by Written Off Publishing and was shortlisted for the Saltire Society’s 2023 Poetry Book of the Year Award. Her debut novel, These Mortal Bodies, is forthcoming with Simon and Schuster in 2025. She can usually be found in or near the sea.
Elspeth often uses folklore and a connection to nature as a jumping off point in her poetry. For the Associateship she is writing a series of poems and producing a poetry film that explores masking through the lens of Scottish mythology. She draws on an interest in the folklore of the selkie – a seal who can turn into a person – because it asks questions about what we are asked to excise to make ourselves palatable for our loved ones and for wider society. The project will expand Elspeth’s creative practice, develop new processes and skills and research spaces to showcase her work.
“I am so excited to be selected as an Associate Artist for poetry and can’t wait to explore masking and identity in various forms through Scottish folklore. This opportunity will allow me to explore new skills in poetry film and new site-specific ways of making work at a time where I am exploring next steps in my poetry career. The support of DAO and the Edwin Morgan trust will allow me to experiment and take risks.” — Elspeth Wilson
Trish Wheatley, DAO CEO, said “Our associates programme is a standout part of what we do at Disability Arts Online. The DAO team is really excited by the prospect of seeing the creative projects grow and we are looking forward to supporting each of these talented associates in their development. We are grateful for the investment and continued collaboration with Edwin Morgan Trust to extend our Scotland-based associate for another year.”
edwinmorgantrust.com 