24th May 2016
Heidi
North-Bailey has been selected as the second New Zealand writer to join the
Shanghai Writers’ Association’s International Writing Program. Heidi is an
Auckland based poet, short story and creative non-fiction writer.
This
opportunity is available through a partnership between the Michael King
Writers’ Centre, the New Zealand China Friendship Society, the Shanghai
Writers’ Association and the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with
Foreign Countries.
Heidi says: “I am delighted to take up the residency in Shanghai
and I'm honoured to be chosen. I look forward to the research opportunities for
my novel, which set partially in Shanghai, and the cross cultural opportunities
with the other writing fellows. I also look forward to the golden space and
time to write, what a gift!
Heidi
will join writers from Argentina, Spain, Israel, Russia, USA, and Poland for two months in
Shanghai in September and October this year. The writers receive free
accommodation in an inner-city apartment, a small stipend for living expenses
and air travel.
Since
the exchange began in 2013 two Chinese writers have enjoyed a residency at the
Michael King Writers’ Centre. In 2013 Huo Yan, a young writing star from
Beijing, took up the first Rewi Alley Fellowship and in 2015 acclaimed novelist
Xiao Bai from Shanghai was the second resident. In 2014 Alison Wong was the
first New Zealand writer selected to join international writers’ programme in
Shanghai.
Michael
King Writers’ Centre Chair Catriona Ferguson says that the exchange with
Shanghai provides the opportunity for New Zealand writers to experience living
and writing in a vibrant part of the world. “We are pleased that our
partnership offers this experience for the benefit of New Zealand writers.”
NZ China Friendship Society President Dave
Bromwich said "It is pleasing to see an
Auckland based poet selected as the next Shanghai Writers' Fellow. It reminds
us that RAK Mason was the first NZCFS National President."
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