Arvon Word Exchange at Tate Modern

Aged 18 to 25 and living in South Yorkshire? Do you like to write or express yourself with words?

Apply now to take part in The Word Exchange – a three-day intensive writing residency for emerging young writers, at London’s Tate Modern Switch House, taking place 15-17 February 2017. The Word Exchange is programmed by Arvon, in conjunction with the Writing Squad and Hive South Yorkshire (Deadline 10am thurs 19th Jan)

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your writing, and experiment with new forms and ways of working, in the stimulating environment of Tate Modern. With the support of top writers, you’ll enjoy:

• writing & making workshops to fire your imagination and get you scribbling
• learning from leading authors through group & one-to-one support on your writing
• personal writing time
• the opportunity to respond to art from the Tate Collection & interact with the visiting public
• a sharing of work in progress at Tate Modern on the Friday evening
• exploring your own interests & ideas, working alongside other young writers in a friendly and supportive environment

This three-day course will be led by two acclaimed writers – poet Jacob Sam-La Rose and writer Sarah Butler.

Jacob Sam-La Rose’s poetry has been described as “vivid, masterly and carefully structured”. His collection Breaking Silence was shortlisted for both a Forward Poetry prize and the Aldeburgh Fenton award, and is a set text for the OCR English Language and Literature A-Level (EMC). He is widely recognised as a facilitator, mentor and supporter of young and emerging poets, and is responsible for the Barbican Young Poets programme and the Spoken Word Education Programme (Goldsmiths University). His practice also includes cross-disciplinary collaboration, exploring poetry in conjunction with technology, physical theatre and conceptual art. Website: www.jsamlarose.com

Sarah Butler has two novels published by Picador: Ten Things I’ve Learnt about Love and Before the Fire. She explores the relationship between writing and place through prose, poetry and participatory projects, often collaborating with other writers, visual artists, photographers, filmmakers and architects. Recent writing residencies include writer-in-residence on the Central tube line; at Great Ormond Street Hospital; and Stories from the Road – a project exploring personal stories of Oxford Road, Manchester. Website: www.urbanwords.org.uk

Who can apply?

The Word Exchange is aimed at young people, aged 18 to 25, living, or based, in South Yorkshire. All creative writing forms are welcome, from poetry and spoken word to novel and script, and all interests and starting points, whether you’re just embarking on your writing journey or seeking a challenge or new direction. We are particularly keen to hear from young people from diverse backgrounds, and those who feel they wouldn’t normally access this kind of opportunity.

Full Cost: £75 per person (includes travel, three nights’ accommodation, meals & all workshops and support).

Discounts: A number of discounts are available for individuals unable to pay in full. If cost is an issue, please get in touch before putting in an application to discuss how we can support you.
Places are limited.

Deadline for applications: (Deadline 10am thurs 19th Jan- extended from 18th Jan
due to website being down for a few hours today. In case it happens again, please copy info)
      
This residency is programmed by Arvon, a Tate Exchange Associate, in conjunction with the Writing Squad and Hive South Yorkshire

About the Word Exchange partners

The Tate Exchange is a space for everyone to collaborate, test ideas and discover new perspectives on life, through art. It is an annual programme brings together international artists, over 50 partners who work within and beyond the arts. More info.

Arvon is a national creative writing charity that produces residential and city-based creative writing courses and retreats for schools, groups and individuals. Founded in 1968, many of the UK’s most prominent writers have taught on Arvon courses, including Carol Ann Duffy, Malorie Blackman and Simon Armitage. www.arvon.org

The Writing Squad is the North’s professional development programme for emerging young writers www.writingsquad.com

Hive South Yorkshire is the new hub for young writers (14 to 25) in the South Yorkshire region. Whether you like to write as a hobby, want to express yourself better with words, or are focused on a writing career – Hive is here to help young writers reach their potential.

To apply, email:

• Up to 5 sides of A4 of your creative writing (stories, excerpts, poems, monologues, script, anything goes). Font size 12, Times New Roman.
• Also: Full name, date of birth, age, address and email, on a letter of application (see below on what to include in your letter)Send to: [email protected] with the subject title: Arvon Word Exchange 2017

In your letter of application, please tell us about the following:

• A little about you, your interests and why are applying for this opportunity
• About any writing you have done so far or related experience. You are welcome to include links to anything relevant to your writing such as projects, performances, readings or films etc. Don’t worry if you haven’t done much, we just want to hear from and about you. Also tell us about any future or ongoing interests you might have in writing.
• What you hope to get out of The Word Exchange and what you think you can contribute to the experience of working with other young writers in a supportive, creative environment
• Any special considerations or needs you may have
• Any special dietary requirements
• Confirmation that you are free and able to attend the Word Exchange in London from 10am Wednesday 15^th to 8pm Friday 17^th February 2017. We realise this is during term time for many but with a little planning may still be possible and worth doing. (Travel arrangements: leaving Sheffield early on the morning of Wed 15^th Feb by train with support staff and returning on Saturday morning 18th Feb)

Please also state on your letter if you wish to be considered for a discount or you can get in touch about this first before putting in an application to discuss how we can support you if you’d prefer: [email protected]

All applicants will be contacted by email to confirm their place by Weds 25th January 2017.

Main photo: Trevor Patt
Title: Tate Modern Switch House, London Herzog & de Meuron, 2016