Vision, Mission and Values
Vision
Writing is a powerful tool that can change the way we think, help us to examine the world around us, and deepen empathy and connection.
Writers craft the stories that shape us.
Our work has a positive influence on social justice, the climate crisis and civic dialogue, and raises the voices of young people and those whose experiences and ideas are not yet heard in the mainstream.
We recognise that to do our work we may need to take risks, to be pre-disposed to action, to learn by doing, and, if necessary, disrupt the systems that have perpetuated inequality.
We aim to make the North a centre of excellence for literature by creating a physical centre for writing in Newcastle upon Tyne. This will rebalance the national picture of who gets to write and publish, while helping to regenerate our city.
Mission
Our mission is to bring people together through writing, reading and engaging in ideas, deepening mutual understanding and encouraging creative habits. We find and support talented people from all backgrounds to access creative opportunities and to enable them to flourish.
Values
We are relationship builders. Whether working one-to-one with a writer or in partnership with a large institution, relationships are our greatest asset. We pride ourselves on being good partners. We take a human-centred approach and work with people in a way that meets their individual needs.
We are a learning organisation. We like learning new things, both as individuals and as a team. We’ll learn from our experiences, listen, respond and adapt. We will be candid with each other and our partners and be courageous in holding each other to account to improve what we do.
Our creativity and leadership go hand-in-hand. We are energised by new ideas and are not afraid to take creative risks and strike ahead of the pack. We see ourselves as creatives and leaders, and we encourage those that work with us to feel the same.