A PAID poet in residence is needed to challenge the Essex stereotype and celebrate inspirational women.

“Snapping the Stiletto” is a two year project by Essex County Council, exploring how Essex women’s lives have changed since 1918.

The project has received a £95,445 grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund to work with 11 local museums to explore their collections and discover hidden inspirational stories.

The project aims to replace the outdated stereotype of ‘Essex Girls’ by highlighting stories of strong Essex women.

The poet will write four poems and lead two creative writing workshops for young people and community groups. They will be paid £2,000.

Susan Barker, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for culture, communities and customer said: “Essex women have played a vital role throughout history, and this has only grown more significantly over the last century.

“We are delighted to commission a Poet-in-Residence to write poems which highlight the stories of inspirational women in Essex. The residency is a fantastic opportunity to discover stories from our local heritage. I look forward to hearing the poems and learning about the new stories of women in Essex which are uncovered by the Snapping the Stiletto project.”

Key themes that emerged through a community consultation are campaigning women, working women and migrant women.

Send a 500 to 750 words personal statement, five poems, a CV and two referee contact details to amy.cotterill@essex.gov.uk by the end of March 22.

More details about the project can be found at: www.snappingthestiletto.comk