The idea
The idea was to create the world’s largest literature prize for young writers and to base it in Swansea. The purpose was to support young fiction writers, writing in the English language anywhere in the world, and to create a fixture on the international cultural landscape associated with south west Wales. The Prize founders wanted our help to make it happen, and to help make it last.
What we did
We provided bespoke business support and project management services to the Prize from its inception. We provided financial forecasting and management support as well as an integral role in the development of the governance of the Prize, development of sponsorship and funding packages, and input in to its day to day operations. Latterly, we have provided project management support to develop the original Prize as well as assisting to establish a new e-Reader Prize along with an educational programme.
Initially, the Prize was awarded once every two years; the first £60,000 award was made to Rachel Tresize in 2006; the second award was made to Nam Le in November 2008.
From 2010 the Prize became an annual £30,000 award, with the 2010 Prize won by American poet Elyse Fenton and the 2011 Prize won by Irish novelist Lucy Caldwell.
Results of our work
With our support the Prize has become an established social enterprise and charity, delivering high quality events and profile to the Swansea and South Wales region. It has a diverse funding mix, drawing on grants, earned income, fundraising and private sponsorship.