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Arkbound: Empowering people in prison through writing
Founded in 2017 by someone who was previously in prison, Arkbound Foundation are providing opportunities for people in prison to have their writing published. Here, they explain why it’s important your voice is heard and how you can get involved.
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Writing is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate and develop ideas. Creative writing, in particular, allows people to think in new ways and to find new solutions. However, many people have few opportunities to practice writing and be a part of the publishing and media industries. For disadvantaged groups, these opportunities are even fewer and further between, with factors such as poor education and poverty contributing to a lack of access. Among some of the groups most affected by this inequality are people in prison or who have previously been in prison.
Generally, getting published can be difficult without contacts in the publishing world. This means that not only are people from disadvantaged backgrounds less likely to access the opportunities writing can bring, but that their voices remain unheard. This results in a severe lack of diversity, which makes room for stereotypes and misconceptions.
This is why we at Arkbound Foundation are working to improve accessibility and diversity in the publishing and media industries. Founded by someone who spent time in prison, at Arkbound we believe that everyone should be given a fair chance to have their voice heard, which is why we are helping empower people in prison through writing.
‘Writing is not life, but I think that sometimes it can be a way back to life.’ Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
We are open to receiving book proposals by current and former people in prison. We also run a dedicated creative writing mentoring programme that pairs up experienced authors and literary agents with disadvantaged writers.
To find out more, write to us at Arkbound Foundation, 4 Rogart Street, Glasgow G40 2AA, or email us at info@arkbound.org. Arkbound Foundation’s book Writing Within Walls features entries from their 2020 national writing competition for people in prison and on probation in the UK. The book includes the 20 winning entries and can be found in prison libraries across the country.
