A DUNBAR man is set to receive mentoring and publishing opportunities as part of a career development programme for aspiring writers.
Michael Fellowes, a deaf arts writer, has been selected by Disability Arts Online (DAO) as part of its Diverse Critics programme.
Now in its third year, the programme is aimed at supporting the careers of disabled and/or black and people of colour (BPoC) writers, with the aim of diversifying the voices critiquing and commenting on Scotland's arts and culture sector.
Since its inception in 2020, the programme has supported 18 Scottish writers through bursaries, training, mentoring and publishing opportunities.
Mr Fellowes was one of the successful candidates selected from a "wealth of applications".
Mr Fellowes said: "I wanted to join Diverse Critics as an opportunity to develop my art critical thinking and writing in the intersections between disability and BPoC."
As part of the programme, Mr Fellowes and the other selected writers will attend workshops on various topics, including developing their writing, pitching ideas and managing a portfolio career.
They will also have the chance to network with editors to further develop their contacts within the arts writing field.
Mr Fellowes has previously led disability and deaf arts projects with The Audience Agency, Shape Arts London and DaDaFest.
He also trains adults in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) with Sunsurfer Consultancy and served on Creative Scotland's equalities, diversity and inclusion group from 2021-2024.
He has a published short story in Revolutions 2 and is currently working on his first novel, Scarlet and the White, which features black, neurodiverse and deaf characters.
Colin Hambrook, editor at Disability Arts Online, said: "Disability Arts Online is so excited to be working with this brilliant, enthusiastic and truly diverse cohort of writers.
"Diverse Critics is a programme that so closely aligns with our organisational vision, mission and values.
"I founded Disability Arts Online as a platform for disabled artists to have their work critiqued and discussed from informed perspectives.
"It’s a real privilege for us to be part of these writers’ career development and to contribute to a richer and more diverse cultural conversation in Scotland and beyond.
"I can’t wait to see the work everyone creates."
Disability Arts Online is a disabled-led arts charity that publishes a digital magazine focused on disability arts and culture.
The Diverse Critics programme is delivered by Disability Arts Online in partnership with The Skinny, and is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
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