Dear Members, Visitors and Users,
Birmingham Words is now almost five years old - a long time in the world of the internet - and during that time the site has become a busy and active part of the literature world, both locally in the Midlands and also online. We have published interviews with luminaries such as David Lodge and Iain Banks, we have featured new writing from across the world, and we have produced some fantastic pamphlets and magazines with everything from international haiku and photography, to genius imaginings of the lost chapters in Homer from New York singer and comic-book writer Jeff Lewis. For the last two years, we have been funded by those generous folks at Arts Council England, and with the funding we have successfully relaunched the website and developed our publications.
Running Birmingham Words over these five years or so has been a huge amount of fun. But now that we are reaching the end of this particular funding period, it seems time to take stock. As editor, webmaster and general power-behind-the-kitchen-chair at Birmingham words, I am feeling like a change of scene, both for the good of site and also because I myself am planning to move on to other (although not necessarily greater) things.
As a result, I have been in discussion with the National Academy of Writing at Birmingham City University, and they have expressed a strong interest in stepping into the breach and adopting Birmingham Words as an on-going project for students at the Academy. This would, I hope, give a new impetus to the site, and would not only secure a longer-term future for it, but would also give allow it to continue to grow and develop.
There are full details of the proposed changes here: Birmingham Words - 2008 and Beyond. Between now and 15th December, I'm canvassing for opinions, thoughts and comments concerning the future of the site, so please get in touch - either by using the discussion link at the end of this article, or else by sending an email through the site's contact form.
I believe that this plan will give Birmingham Words an an active and exciting future. I hope that you do too.
With many thanks and best wishes,
Will Buckingham
