In Summer 2022, we started our search for Whitechapel Gallery’s first Young Writer in Residence. Emerging writers aged 18-24 were invited to apply, and submit a short original piece of writing which responded to The London Open as part of their application.
Esther-Rennae was selected as the 2022-23 Runner Up, along with Elspeth Walker and Danielle Sargeant, for the Gallery’s Young Writer in Residence Programme. The inaugural 2022-23 Winner was Yulin Huang.
With thanks to all those who applied, and to our selection panel which included journalist Precious Adesina, writer Gabriella Egavalle, and Whitechapel Gallery staff.
Esther-Rennae Walker is a storyteller and creative producer from London, committed to exposing the unheard stories that sweep the streets of London and beyond.
Esther-Rennae’s submission
“O wa niwaju mi (You’re right in front of me) is both a tribute and a celebration to the wonderful black women that have gone before me and have contributed in making my dreams a reality because of their triumph in overcoming hardships. The poem illustrates a myriad of generational experiences that explore this idea of dreams vs reality and jolts into different timelines and scenes of the women/future women in my family having their dreams live on.”
An opportunity for an early career creative to work on their writing practice in the context of a contemporary art gallery.
