Working Class Voices in Literature Celebrated at the Launch of The 32
31st March, 2022
Diversity in literature was under discussion at a special event to celebrate the publication of The 32, an anthology of short stories by working class writers from across the island of Ireland.
The event was held at the Crescent Arts Centre on Sunday as part of the Imagine! Belfast Festival. Guest speaker Lucy Caldwell, winner of the 2021 BBC National Short Story Award joined Paul McVeigh project manager and editor of The 32, to discuss why we need more diversity in literature. The reception also featured readings by some of the book’s contributors.
The 32 is a landmark publication which features 16 stories by established writers, including Roddy Doyle, Kevin Barry, Lisa McInerney and Daniel McLaughlin and 16 new writers from across the island. Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland through National Lottery funding and the Irish Secretariat, the book is a collection of essays and memoirs.
The creation of the anthology was inspired by award-winning writer Kit de Waal’s hugely successful ‘Common People’, which similarly brought together stories from working class writers from across the UK, inviting readers to see the world through their eyes.
Speaking about the project, Paul explained:
“We were delighted to have Lucy Caldwell join us today to celebrate the launch of The 32 to discuss the steps which need to be taken to make publishing more inclusive. The project celebrates successful working class writers while giving a platform to new working class writers, allowing them to share their stories and hopefully bringing them to the attention of the industry.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £30 million each week for good causes across the UK, providing funding to support thousands of projects like this.
Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council, commented:“The 32 brings together some of the most exciting writers, both established and emerging, from across Ireland, providing a platform to tell us their stories in their own voice. We congratulate Paul and all those who have helped to get this project off the ground, championing diversity, breaking down barriers, and providing new opportunities for future generations of writers.”
Reflecting on the event, Lucy Caldwell said:
“When Kit de Waal was unable to travel, it was an honour to step in to help celebrate The 32. It’s an anthology that speaks for itself: speaks in voices that often aren’t heard enough – or aren’t listened to. Defiant, furious, joyful, profoundly moving, these pieces enrich us all, and this anthology is a beacon, a gateway, a rallying call for so many more stories. I could have listened to the brilliant writers who represented the anthology at the Imagine! Festival event all night.”
The 32 is published by Unbound and available to purchase now in print and ebook formats. Visit www.unbound.com/books/32 for more details.