Working with individuals traditionally underrepresented in Irish literature and publishing. Skein is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive Irish literary and publishing scene. We want to see long-term impact in the cultural sector in Ireland so that inclusion, equality and diversity are not an add-on and Irish publishing and literature and the cultural scene become genuinely diverse.

At Skein, we focus on contributing to literary and cultural landscapes that celebrate the richness of the world we share. Recognising that change happens at individual, communal, structural and societal levels, we work across three intersecting and mutually reinforcing areas — curating publications and conversations that offer alternative perspectives, investing in development opportunities and new modes of expression for artists, and engaging in cultural activism to tackle systemic barriers.

In 2021, the Play It Forward Fellowships were established, with an aim to nurture and amplify the talents of writers whose voices and stories have traditionally been underrepresented in Irish literature and publishing. Run jointly by Skein and The Stinging Fly, spearheaded by poet and editor Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, this pilot programme sought to advance new perspectives in contemporary cultural discourse, and broaden conversations around diversity, inclusion, access and opportunity across the literary landscape.

Our model is collaborative and not-for-profit, and our goal is to create the conditions for equality to flourish in the literary and publishing sphere. We acknowledge that we are constantly striving for better, and that failure is part of the process. We continue to review our business model to maximise income for the writers we work with through commission fees, appropriate advances, sale of subsidiary rights and robust and creative sales and marketing plans.