About

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.

In July 2023, Skein, Holy Show, and Publishing Ireland agreed to explore the development and adoption of a Code of Care. This work is informed by training delivered by the Cork Traveller Culture Awareness Training Initiative, discussions held with writers and activists concerned with creating a more inclusive sector and learning from the ongoing work in this area. The Code of Care sets out equitable and ethical standards for the literary and publishing sector. It covers good practice approaches to working relationships, standards of access and inclusion, engagement with individuals and communities, and organisational change.

The Code provides a framework that can deliver a more collaborative, equitable, creative, and inclusive literary and publishing sector for writers, editors and publishers who have traditionally been underrepresented and could be applied to writers from all backgrounds and communities, as well as the wider arts sector. It also serves as an advocacy tool to support the basis of policy and legislative change for the long-term benefit of the literary and publishing sector.

We welcome literary and resource organisations to endorse and adopt this Code of Care in their own practice. For more information, please email us.