Call out for local writers: Radical Roots and How To Bounce Forward
We're looking to commission three local people for paid 'long read' commissions about Sheffield's radical history and future. Deadline for expressions of interest: Friday 19th February.
Now Then is pleased to have secured funding to commission three local people to write ‘long read’ articles about Sheffield’s radical history and future.
The idea behind our ‘Radical Roots and How To Bounce Forward’ project is that by highlighting the ways that social change was brought about in the past – and combining that with exciting ideas and new visions – we can show that a better future is possible.
We have some possible starting points, but we’d love to hear how you would approach the topic areas, and Sheffield’s place in them. For these three articles we are looking for a place-based approach (i.e. Sheffield and/or South Yorkshire) which looks to understand the present day in a historical context.
- Work & the Wellbeing Economy - The nature of work is transforming. Sheffield has been at the heart of many different campaigns for changes in working conditions since the Industrial Revolution. How has work in the city of Sheffield changed and what's next? Could include: Working conditions in the city from the Industrial Revolution onwards, Sheffield as 'low pay capital' of the UK, Sheffield Needs A Pay Rise campaign, Sheffield TUC, Autonomy.
- Democracy & Voting Rights - Our city was central to the struggle for universal suffrage, but there is still more to be done to enfranchise citizens. How has the role of an 'active citizen' changed in our city and where are we headed? Could include: the Chartist movement, Sheffield Amateur Parliament, It's Our City, Make Votes Matter.
- Anti-racism & Challenging Systemic Inequalities - As a major industrial city Sheffield was historically complicit in slavery, but there are past and present examples of Sheffielders fighting racism and systemic inequalities. What can we learn from the past about how we can achieve a truly equitable future? Could include: Sheffield Ladies Anti-Slavery Society, Black Lives Matter, Sheffield Race Equality Commission.
We have a budget of £300 for each of the three article commissions. We envisage them being researched and written by three different writers.
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please email our editor Sam with a short note (max 1/2 side of A4) saying why you think you’re well suited for the job, and providing links to some examples of your recent writing by Friday 19th February 2021. We're happy to chat if you'd like more information.
