Ten years is a long time in the world of arts and criticism and regular readers will know that in 2022 Wales Arts Review celebrated its first decade, marking the milestone with an edited collection featuring some of our best writers. Now, as we look ahead to the future of Wales Arts Review, we’re excited to kickstart the next phase of the Review by welcoming Dr Emma Schofield as our new Editor. Emma takes over from Caragh Medlicott, who has been Wales Arts Review’s Interim Editor since 2021, and will work alongside Managing Editor Ben Glover and former Editor and current Executive Editor Gary Raymond.
Emma comes to the role with a wealth of editorial experience under her belt and a genuine love for the arts in Wales. An experienced writer, critic and editor, Emma has written for Wales Arts Review since its early days and has also acted as an Associate Editor and Senior Editor in recent years.
Outside of the Review, Emma has a PhD from Cardiff University where she also teaches in education and curriculum design. She is currently developing her PhD research for publication with University of Wales Press and has written widely on literature, culture and politics in Wales. Her edited collection exploring the impact of devolution on the lives of women in Wales will be published in 2023 by Parthian Books, and her short fiction has appeared in a number of publications. She has featured as a contributor on a range of shows across BBC Radio Wales, Radio 3 and Radio 4, having been selected to take part in the BBC’s New Generation Thinkers scheme.
‘I’m absolutely delighted to be taking up the mantle of Editor for Wales Arts Review at such an exciting time for the arts in Wales. At a moment when we are facing enormous political and economic challenges, both at home and internationally, I firmly believe that the Review has a critical role to play in supporting the arts in Wales and providing a platform for debate and reflection. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to work alongside our brilliant team of writers, but also to welcome new voices and to ensure that we continue to offer a space for criticism which challenges and celebrates everything the arts in Wales has to offer.’
Gary Raymond said, “It’s extremely exciting to have Emma step up as Editor. She has played a vital role in the work of the Review in recent years and she’s going to make a superb editor for us. She has a clear vision and will give a fresh perspective as Wales Arts Review heads into its second decade.”
Managing Editor Ben Glover also added, “This is an important time for the Review, as we enter the next stage in our ongoing development, and having a person of the calibre of Emma Schofield join the team as editor is a testament to how far we have travelled in the past ten years. These are exciting times and I’m looking forward to working with Emma to grow the Review at home and abroad. Furthermore, I just want to say ‘good luck’ to Caragh, her dedication, drive and vision has helped build the Review into the publication it is today.”
