These were the FAQs we produced as part of the information to contributors:
Why might I want to get involved in this project?
You might be an existing writer interested to try your hand at a new genre of writing. You might never have written anything before, and looking to be part of a supportive group to get yourself started. You might be anxious or grief-stricken about the damage to nature round you, and wanting to find (or create) hope for the future. You might be interested in your local area of South Bank in York becoming more resourceful and connected. And you might be any combination of these! You’re all welcome to take part.
How do I submit a contribution?
Please e-mail your submission by 31 July to through.psb@gmail.com. If what you’ve created is in a format which won’t manage being sent by e-mail, just contact us at that address and we’ll work out an alternative plan.
What kind of contribution are you looking for?
We welcome all formats welcome – written (story, poetry, theatrical…); video; musical; imagery… Whatever is prompted for you by the title How We Made It Through, in the context of the likely realities of climate change in the South Bank area of York.
Your contribution might be framed around a particular theme, such as food, security, heat, energy, or community; and/or about a particular location such as a street, a specific address or a locality (such as Rowntree Park or Nun Ings), or involving a group of characters.
The aim is to look back from the future, illustrating how we made it through. We’re not requiring it to be set in a particular year, nor have we defined the ‘through’ (ie the practical implications of whatever degree of global warming we as a planet and a society eventually undergo). This we hope leaves you free to use your imagination, without having to produce a complete story addressing every aspect of the journey ahead. If your contribution inspires ideas of what as a community we would actually need to think about, and to organise, for us to make it through, then so much the better – but it’s not a requirement!
There are no word / length limits. As a community creativity project, the aim is to inspire hope and action set in a location we all love, rather than producing a perfect contribution.
Do I have to be a grownup to take part?
There’s no lower age-limit. Everyone’s voice is welcome. Obviously the themes of the project – an uncertain future, whether socially, economically or environmentally – are serious themes, and this project isn’t about sugar-coating; it’s about what would we need to think about, and to organise, for us to make it through? And we know that anyone of any age can bring thoughtful responses to that question.
Will what gets created be published?
The aim of the project is to create stories of hope for the future, whether in written form or audio (such as a play or a musical piece). We will create a public website or webpage where everyone’s contribution can be uploaded and accessed for free. We anticipate there’ll be some kind of public event in the autumn of 2024, to celebrate what’s been created, maybe showcase a couple of contributions, and a discussion about what we’d all like as next steps. The project may also generate ideas and resources for a more formal publication – who knows? One step at a time.
Why is the project time-limited?
Sometimes, writers needs a deadline! And more seriously, the aim is to focus hearts and minds for a set period of time, from February to July 2024, to see what we can create between us. That way it doesn’t drag on too long, and gives everyone involved a target to aim for.
Can I use AI (Artificial Intelligence) programmes to create my contribution?
This great question really surprised us! Our first answers are, “Yes, if you want to or need to”; and also, “Well, we were envisaging something more human-to-human!” If you do use AI, please make clear in your final contribution how much is your own work. And of course any existing works or quotes which you rely on need to be acknowledged, even if in a footnote or separate commentary.
Will my contribution be edited?
Our hope is that everyone’s contribution will be accepted without any editing. The many different stories from us all may contradict each other (for example, two submissions may have very different visions about what happens to Rowntree Park, or how our local community finds its way through). We’re not seeking to create a common narrative, but rather to enable as many different ideas and hopes as possible. Please bear in mind that your creation will be seen/read/heard by a wide audience.
We will request edits to, or refuse to accept, anything which in its intent seems to promote hate or discrimination or which seems to be taking the mickey out of what is a well-intentioned community-based project.
Planet South Bank 