Our Voice Network, in partnership with Sherman Theatre, are supporting two artists of the Global Majority to develop as storytellers and to develop connections in the arts sector in Wales.
The 2024 Our Voice Bursaries are aimed at those with no formal or professional experience as writers but who are passionate about storytelling, and as such the two recipients will be chosen through an open selection process.
The successful applicants will be supported for one year (Sept 2024 – Aug 2025) and will receive:
- monthly mentoring sessions with Sherman Theatre staff to support their development as storytellers;
- support from artist and Our Voice Network founder Krystal S. Lowe including application and CV writing, feedback on ideas, finding jobs and opportunities, and building connections with people in the arts sector to support ongoing career development;
- a public showcase of their work-in-progress in the 2025 Our Voice Sharing hosted by Sherman Theatre, produced by Krystal S. Lowe; and
- a £500 bursary to support expenses and time to develop their art-form.
The 2024 Our Voice Bursary Recipients are Tafsila Khan and Aliyy Azad Malik.
Tafsila Khan is a blind access consultant and theatre maker in Wales with a passion for real stories and giving a voice to those who are usually unheard. She is motivated to create change within society and her work has accessibility at its core to develop wider engagement within the arts. Tafsila is currently developing her skills as a Dramaturg and writer.
In acceptance of her 2024 Our Voice Bursary, Khan said, “What excites me the most about the bursary is that I will be part of a network of talented artists from all backgrounds who work in a variety of art forms that I can exchange ideas and knowledge with which in turn will enhance the richness and depth of my creative practice.”
Aliyy Azad Malik is a Wales-based writer who enjoys researching as part of their writing process, focusing on human stories, spirituality, ecology, and community. Specialising on poetry and fiction, Aliyy develops their writing practice in many ways - from writing on train journeys to joining Literature Wales' 2024/2025 Representing Wales writer cohort.
Looking ahead to their bursary year Malik said, “Getting the consistent support of a mentor for my writing projects for an entire year, so that I can really stay focused is really exciting to me. The close contact and availability is going to be important to help me overcome some of the difficulties that writing brings up, like when I face blocks with motivation, or become overwhelmed with the many moving parts of a story.”
Davina Moss, Literary Manager of Sherman Theatre, said: “Aliyy and Tafsila are both incredibly exciting artists. We’re thrilled to be part of their journey through the Our Voice Bursary 2024—and can’t wait to see what they’re going to make.”
Krystal S. Lowe, Founder and Executive Director of Our Voice Network said: “Tafsila Khan and Aliyy Azad Malik are passionate, driven, and socially engaged artists who use their writing for themselves and to help make the world around them a better place. I am so excited to see what incredible things they get up to this year with Sherman Theatre and Our Voice Network at their side both supporting and cheering them on!”