Dreaming Still is a publication of work by Black-Irish writers, launching in early 2024.
This project takes inspiration from Tina Campt’s Listening To Images and Saidiyah Hartman’s critical fabulation as a method of filling in archival gaps by using storytelling to imagine not only what was, but also what could be.
Dreaming Still is a collection of photo-texts that acknowledges feelings of displacement, hostility, and loss endured by migrants and imagines alternative contexts where wonder and pleasure is prioritized in the here and now.
What are we looking for?
We are commissioning a selection of writing from Black-Irish writers. The texts will center on a photograph(s) chosen by the author, and will creatively respond to its content using speculative writing.
Speculative writing is a genre that allows for limitless possibilities. This type of writing can include elements of science fiction, fantasy, and more.** Whatever the setting, the stories in this genre are driven by curiosity and the possibilities of what could be.
**For this project, the writing can take any form, including fiction, creative non-fiction, essay, prose, or poetry.
How to Submit
Note: Applicants must identify as Black/be a person of African descent, should be based in/have a demonstrable connection to Ireland, and should have a personal/family history of migration.
If you are interested in submitting work to be included in this publication, please send an expression of interest to eireannandiarchive@gmail.com with:
- An artist bio and headshot or image of yourself
- 1-3 previous examples of writing – if sending a video, please include the corresponding text in a Word doc.
- A brief proposal detailing your ideas and approach.
- A JPEG/PNG file or description of the photograph you have chosen to write around. The image you select should be impactful to you. It can be an old photo, a newly encountered photo, or a photo taken/staged by you or a friend. When choosing, consider its colours, composition, lighting, its setting, its subjects and the emotions it evokes. It is important that you feel it is a strong image that lends you something to write about.
- Optional: An artist CV
The deadline for submitting an expression of interest is the 7th of October.
Selection Process:
Selected writers will be notified by the 11th of October.
Each selected writer will be commissioned to submit an image and write a 1000-word text for which a fee of €250 will be awarded. Submissions for selected writers are due on the 12th of November.
This publication is developed with support from the Douglas Hyde Gallery.