GWL's Writer in Residence
Writer in Residence, Raman Mundair, says goodbye to GWL
I'm grateful to the Scottish Arts Council and Glasgow City Council for offering me a fellowship opportunity in the Glasgow Women's Library. I remember when I arrived how warmly I was received by the staff contingent: Adele, Sue, Coleen, Pat and Shona. My residency coincided with a period of change within the Library and as time has gone on there has been a lot of come and go and several staff changes, plus a move from one building to another. Throughout these changes I feel I've got to know Adele (Lifelong Learning Coordinator) and Sue (Strategic Development Manager) particularly well and want to thank them for making my time at the Library so stimulating and interesting. I would like to thank the administrative team for all the support they have offered me, particularly Alison who is always thoughtful and a real gem!
I've really enjoyed working with the women users and learners at the Library and I have to say that the highlight of my residency has been having the opportunity to interact with these wonderful women. Working on projects like the Gallery of Modern Art 'Rule of Thumb' films, working closely with ALN colleagues, particularly Gerry on creative literacy, collaborating with colleagues at Streetlevel Photoworks and Move On to work with refugee, asylum seeker and homeless communities and more recent collaborations with colleagues at Kelvingrove Museum has been tremendously fulfilling and has really inspired my own work.
I've also valued having one-to-ones with writers and meeting with the Artists' Way Group and want to thank those women for their creative openness and writers' friendship.
During my residency, as well as working with women to realise their creative potential, I have had the opportunity to complete my second collection of poems: 'A Choreographer's Cartography' and two plays 'Side Effects' and 'The Algebra of Freedom'. But I think the most valuable gift that I have received from this Scottish Arts Council / Glasgow City Council fellowship is the connections I've made with women: I have forged several close and lasting friendships and for this I am particularly grateful.
Raman Mundair