Louisa Adjoa Parker: the first Exeter Custom House writer in residence

From LiteratureWorks

"As the first writer in residence at Custom House, Louisa hopes to draw on the site’s history to create new work – her own and others’. This might take the form of poetry, stories, or both. She is especially interested in previously untold stories and the lives of the ordinary people who have passed through the building and surrounding area. She plans to use a mixture of the site itself, historical records and talking to local people as inspiration for her time at the Custom House, during which she will run at least two creative writing workshops for the Exeter community, as well as sharing the stories she uncovers as inspiration". 

Speaking about the role, Louisa said:

“I’m really excited about this position as it will enable me to work in a beautiful location, provide me with the time and space to focus on new writing, meet others from the writing community, and engage with the local community. The role also provides me with the opportunity to combine my love of history and literature with making literature accessible to all. I often draw on place in my work and am excited about the stories I might uncover during my time at Custom House. “

Louisa will be at Exeter Custom House throughout the summer programme which runs from 29th June – 3rd August.

Update:

https://exetercustomhouse.org.uk/writer-in-residence/

Meet the Writer at Exeter Custom House this summer

"Meet Louisa on National Writing Day

On Wednesday 26th June from 1-3pm, to celebrate National Writing Day, Louisa will hold her first ever ‘Meet the Writer’ session at Exeter Custom House. She will be available to talk about her work as writer-in-residence and to chat about writing in general.

Meet Louisa on Thursday afternoons

Louisa will be at the Custom House from 1-3pm on Thursday afternoons from then onwards, available to meet with members of the public and talk about the work she is developing there:

Thursday 4th July, Thursday 11th July and Thursday 18th July, Thursday 25th July

On Thursday 21st July Louisa will host a special writing workshops for adults from 12.30-3pm. Together, the groups will explore the surrounding area and its heritage through the medium of walking. Pens and paper to hand, walking boots at the ready!

Louisa will be running a similar workshop with a local primary school, involving the children in discovering stories and looking at the theme of movement.

In May we were delighted to announce the appointment of Louisa Adjoa Parker as our first ever writer-in-residence at Exeter Custom House. Louisa will be writing and exploring the stories of the Custom House and Quayside throughout the six-week Quay Words programme. Her residency provides the time and space for Louisa’s creative responses to the setting, uncovering and transforming stories from her unique perspective as a writer.

Louisa often explores place and heritage through her work. During her residency at the Custom House she will be asking questions such as,

‘What are the stories of the Custom House and the people who have passed through its walls, landed at the quayside, or through the city of Exeter? Where did they come from? What were their lives like? Did they settle, or did they move on? What are the hidden stories of people from diverse backgrounds?’

Exeter Quayside was once a centre of international trade, exporting and importing goods worldwide from the quayside. Louisa will be exploring global connections and engaging in wider conversations about race, identity, history, nations and belonging".