Tag: short course (page 1 of 4)

Five Novel Writing Challenges The Novel Studio Helps You Navigate

Novel Studio Published Alumni

Every writer’s journey is unique, but certain experiences are near universal when crafting a novel. At The Novel Studio, we’ve worked with writers for over twenty years, supporting them through creative challenges and celebrating their path to publication. Here are five common experiences many novelists encounter, and how our programme can help you navigate them with confidence and skill.

  1. From Spark to Sustained Fire

That initial burst of inspiration – the character who won’t leave your mind, the what-if question that keeps you awake at night – can be magical. Yet many writers find that transforming that spark into a sustained narrative requires a different kind of creative energy.

Our Term One “Foundations” phase allows you to nurture that initial concept. You’ll learn to test your idea’s potential, discover its hidden depths, and build the framework that supports a complete novel. Our approach helps you preserve that initial creative excitement while developing the structure and scope your story needs to thrive.

  1. Navigating the Narrative Middle

Even bestselling authors acknowledge the challenges of the middle sections of a novel. This is where characters reveal unexpected depths, plot threads interconnect, and the narrative rhythm finds its true pace.

Our Fictional Techniques sessions in Term Two focus on the skills you need to create compelling scenes, maintain momentum, and ensure every chapter serves your story’s purpose. Regular workshop feedback on your work-in-progress will also help you refine and strengthen your middle sections, transforming them from potential stumbling blocks into the heart of your novel.

  1. Finding Your Writing Community

Writing requires solitude, but completing a novel thrives on connection. Many writers discover that sharing their work with trusted peers, receiving thoughtful feedback, and celebrating small victories along the way enriches both their manuscript and their creative life.

Whether you choose our London Studio or Online experience, you’ll become part of a supportive community of fellow novelists. Our workshop structure creates natural momentum and accountability, while our feedback process ensures constructive guidance at every stage. Many of our alumni describe this creative community as the unexpected gift of the programme – relationships that continue long after the course concludes.

  1. Refining Your Craft Elements

Every writer has natural strengths – perhaps you excel at dialogue, or description – but many of us also have elements of craft that feel less intuitive, areas where targeted guidance can transform our writing.

The Novel Studio addresses core elements of fiction craft through dedicated workshop sessions and a focus on fictional technique. You’ll develop character, voice, dialogue, and narrative drive through exercises and expert guidance. By the end of the programme, you will be closer to identifying your unique voice while strengthening any areas that need additional attention.

  1. Preparing for the Publishing Journey

Completing a manuscript is a significant achievement – and also the beginning of a new phase in your writing journey. Understanding the publishing landscape, connecting with the right agent, and presenting your work professionally all require specific knowledge and skills.

Our Term Three “Industry Focus” prepares you for the next steps in your publishing journey. You’ll meet agents, authors, and editors who provide insider perspectives on the current market. You’ll craft a professional submission package and practice presenting your work to an audience. The programme culminates in our industry showcase where you’ll connect directly with agents, with your writing featured in our anthology sent to all UK-based literary agents.

Beyond Craft: Creating Opportunity

The Novel Studio offers more than craft development and industry preparation—it creates unique opportunities for your writing career:

  • Agent Connection: All applications are automatically considered for the Novel Studio Competition, with the top three reviewed by Lucy Luck at C&W Agency
  • One-to-one Guidance: Personal tutorials each term with experienced authors and editors
  • Public Reading Experience: Structured preparation for sharing your work with audiences
  • Professional Network: Join our growing list of published alumni

Whether you’re at the beginning of your novel writing journey or looking to take your manuscript to the next level, The Novel Studio provides the creative guidance, craft expertise, and supportive community that helps writers thrive.

Deadline for applications is 30 May 2025.

For more information visit our dedicated Novel Studio page HERE.

Announcing City Writes Spring 2025 Competition Winners

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

We’re delighted to announce the winners of the City Writes Spring Competition, all of whom will be reading at our bumper in person City Writes Spring Event 2025, Wednesday, 26th March, 6.30pm in Northampton Square alongside Goldsmiths’ Prize shortlisted author, Han Smith and four of City St George’s Short Course tutors: Jem Bartholomew, Katy Darby, Caroline Green and Martin Ouvry. Register for this wonderful free event now and sit back as we introduce you to our competition winners.

Ellen Bassam is a London-based writer whose work explores the intersections of everyday life, politics, popular culture, and nature. With a background in political campaigning, she brings a sharp, insightful perspective to her writing. Currently, she runs Alternative Route, a zine about walking, with a focus on the experiences and stories of women and girls. Ellen is a Narrative Non-Fiction alumna and will be reading her story, ‘Two y’s and no smiley face’.

Approach to Creative Writing alumna Hatty Nash is a radio producer who writes and reads fiction in her spare time. She joined the BBC on the prestigious Production Trainee Scheme and has since produced programmes for Radio 4, Radio 1, and the World Service, including Woman’s Hour and the Today programme. She grew up in Devon and now lives in East London. Hatty will be reading her story ‘Brainrot’.

Tunde Oyebode is a Nigerian-British architect and writer in London. His fiction, inspired by everyday life, explores themes of relationships, society, and urban environments, reflecting the experiences of the African diaspora. His work has appeared in Stylist Magazine, Obsidian, and Solstice Literary Magazine. Tunde was a finalist for the 2023 London Independent Story Prize and the 2024 Solstice Literary Magazine Prize. He is currently seeking to publish a collection of interconnected short stories and enjoys cycling and photographing architecture. A Short Story Writing and Writers’ Workshop alumnus, Tunde will be reading his story, ‘Immaculate Education’.

Aaron Payne is a Short Story Writing alumnus and unpublished writer who lives in South London. He is working on a story inspired by suburban landmarks: graveyards, allotments, libraries and schools. His reading, ‘Scoop’ is extracted from this story. He is a civil servant.

Mya Shakur is a novice fiction writer with a love for character-driven storytelling. She’s currently working on a collection of memory-inspired pieces, including her winning story ‘Sandwich Bag’, as part of a fictional memoir. After briefly studying Politics and American Studies at university, she took a different path with storytelling remaining a consistent passion throughout. She now writes in her spare time, trying to make sense of it all and has just completed the Approach to Creative Writing course.

For your chance to hear all of these wonderful stories alongside the work of Han Smith and four of our fantastic tutors here at City St George’s register for the City Writes Spring Event 2025, Wednesday, 26th March, 6.30pm in Northampton Square here. We can’t wait to see you there.

The importance of Investing in Yourself: Benefits of Continuous Learning for your Brain

 

In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and grow is more crucial than ever before. One of the best ways to future-proof your career and personal development is through continuous learning. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning has profound benefits for both your brain and your overall well-being.

Cognitive Abilities

Engaging in continuous learning exercises your brain and helps maintain cognitive sharpness as you age. Studies show that challenging your brain with new information and skills can increase grey matter, improve memory and information processing, and bolster problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re learning a new language, taking an online course, or exploring a hobby, keeping your brain active helps build neural pathways and preserve mental acuity.

Creativity and Innovation

Continuous learning exposes you to diverse perspectives, ideas, and ways of thinking. This cross-pollination of knowledge sparks new connections in your brain, enhancing your ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. By stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring unfamiliar subjects, you can gain fresh insights that inspire you to approach challenges from novel angles.

Adaptability In an era of rapid technological and social change, the ability to learn, grow, and adapt is paramount. Continuous learners are more resilient and better equipped to navigate uncertainty, pivot in their careers, and respond to emerging trends. The mental flexibility cultivated through lifelong learning allows you to continuously expand your skillset and thrive in the face of change.

Overall Well Being

Engaging in continuous learning doesn’t just benefit your brain – it can also enhance your overall well-being. The sense of accomplishment and confidence that comes from mastering new skills can boost self-esteem and mental health. Additionally, the social connections and intellectual stimulation gained through learning activities can reduce stress and loneliness, leading to greater happiness and life satisfaction.

The decision to invest in yourself through continuous learning is one of the most impactful choices you can make. By challenging your brain, sparking your creativity, and cultivating adaptability, the benefits of lifelong learning can transform both your professional and personal life.

At City St George’s we have a range of short courses to enhance your continuous learning. Why not try a new language? Or learn to code? Craft that children’s story you’ve always wanted to write? Or start a new side hustle with our Coaching courses?

Not sure what you want to study? Come along to our Free Virtual Open evening on December 12 at 6pm. You can choose from a range of taster sessions from  Japanese to Marketing. More information and how to register is available here.

Embrace the power of continuous growth and unlock your full potential.

Advancing your Career with Coding: Learn Programming with Python

In today’s digital-first economy, programming skills have become increasingly valuable across virtually every industry. Whether you’re looking to switch careers, advance in your current role, or simply future-proof your skillset, learning Python could be your stepping stone to new opportunities.

Why Python?
Python has emerged as one of the most in-demand, high-level programming languages globally, and for good reason. Its clear, readable syntax makes it very easy to learn in comparison to other programming languages (like C/C++, JAVA, JavaScript, etc.) and therefore ideal for beginners, while its powerful capabilities support everything from automation and scripting to data analysis and artificial intelligence. Companies like the BBC, NASA, and Google rely on Python, and it’s the backbone of innovations in fields ranging from healthcare to financial services.

Python in the Age of AI
The rise of AI and developer copilots has transformed the programming landscape, making now an ideal time to learn Python. Far from replacing developers, AI tools are empowering them to be more productive and creative than ever.

AI-Enhanced Development
Modern Python developers work alongside AI tools that:
• Autocomplete code and suggest solutions
• Catch potential bugs before they occur
• Generate code snippets from natural language descriptions
• Explain complex code and suggest improvements
• Automate routine programming tasks

This means that even as a beginner, you can now have powerful AI assistants helping you learn and code more efficiently.

Future-Proof Skills
While AI tools can now handle routine coding tasks, they’ve increased demand for developers who are able to:
• Architect complex systems
• Review and validate AI-generated code
• Write precise prompts for AI tools
• Integrate AI capabilities into applications
• Understand the limitations of AI assistants

Transform Your Career Prospects
The UK tech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with programming skills commanding competitive salaries and offering flexible career paths. Recent studies show that Python developers in the UK earn an average of £57,000 per year.

But Python isn’t just for software developers. Knowledge of Python can enhance your value in roles such as:
• Data Analyst
• Business Intelligence Specialist
• Marketing Analyst
• Financial Modeller
• Research Scientist
• Project Manager

Hear from Our Alumni
Philip is a fantastic tutor who has a dynamic approach to teaching the basics in Python programming. I really appreciated the way that we could always ask for help during exercises and also that we could send me him requests for materials to be treated during class.” Anne Marie Muller, former student

This course is ideal for anyone wanting to start the thrilling journey of implementing AI. It effectively combines hands on practical skills with clear, fun explanations of the underlying theory – not easy with a subject that combines partial differentiation and a jumble of confusing terms and emerging ideas. I would strongly recommend you sign up.” Peter Bradley, former student

Genuinely one of the best tutors I’ve ever had – both at undergraduate & post graduate level. I’ve tried to learn how to code dozens of times and it’s never stuck. Philip was excellent at judging the level of the class and guiding us through the slides carefully. He went above and beyond, and made me feel extremely well supported. 10/10 will be recommending to my colleagues! Thank you, Philip!” James Donovan, former student

Why Choose Our Python Programming Courses?
At City St George’s we run a range of python courses from an Introduction to Python Programming to Data Analytics and Machine Learning. Our intensive short computing courses are designed for busy professionals looking to acquire practical programming skills. Over five-ten weekly evenings, you’ll progress from basic concepts to creating real-world applications. Here’s what makes our python courses unique:

Practical, Industry-Focused Learning
• Taught by Industry Professionals
• Industry-standard tools and best practices
• Flexible evening and weekend schedules

  • Comprehensive Curriculum – subjects covered include:
  •  Python fundamentals and programming concepts
  •  Working with databases
  • Data analysis and visualisation
  • Building basic applications
  • Working with HTML pages
  • File manipulation: Reading and Writing Files
  • Conversational AI Use

Expert Instruction
Our instructors bring years of industry experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical insights from their work at leading tech companies.

Your Learning Journey
The courses are structured to ensure steady progression while accommodating work commitments. Each week builds on previous knowledge through:
• Interactive live sessions
• Guided practical exercises
• Real-world project work
• Peer learning opportunities

Next Steps
Join the thousands of professionals who have transformed their careers through coding. Our next introductory python programming course begins in January online.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Why not attend our free online open evening session on December 12 to learn more about how Python programming could transform your career prospects.

Writing Short Course News Roundup 2024

Whether you’re taking a course with us this term or were a student in the past, we want to inspire your writing with the latest news from our short course alumni and tutors.

The Novel Studio 

Alan Gray (also alumnus of WW and SS) has been awarded the Sonny and Gita UK Scholarship to complete his MA in creative writing at UEA.

Kathrine Bancroft has had one of her poems longlisted for the 2024 Aurora Prize. She is also a London Independent Story Prize Poetry Finalist.

Katy Darby’s Writers’ Workshop and Short Story Writing alumna Isabel Blake has been accepted on the Creative Writing MA at UEA, while Erica Buist has just completed her Cambridge MSt in Creative Writing, has been longlisted for the BBC’s annual callout for scripts and is now teaching Creative Writing at City Lit.

Peter Forbes’ Narrative Non Fiction alumna Melissa Cornet has had her firstEnglish piece published in July in the London Review of Books, about her work in Afghanistan on Gender apartheid. She is also confirmed to publish a piece in the Guardian this month.

Tutor News

Anna Wilson has two books out this autumn: Be Back Soon is a picture book about swallow migration, illustrated by Jenny Bloomfield and published by Andersen Press and A Story of the Seasons, a large-format non-fiction picture book about seven habitats throughout the seasons, illustrated by Carolina Rabei and published by Nosy Crow and the National Trust. Both books have been translated into other European languages including French, German and Danish.

One-day Courses

There are plenty of options for anyone keen on one-day writing courses: our ever-popular Introduction to Copywriting with Maggie Richards is available monthly; while our Writing the Memoir course is now taught by the brilliant Anna Wilson (see above). And the dynamic duo of Anna Tsekouras and Pete Austin, aka Anon Agency, run our Intro to Branding course. This term we are also introducing a brand new course, Content Writing, taught by the fabulous Tamsin Mackay.

Opportunities

City Writes

City Writes is City, University of London’s termly writing event, showcasing the best of City Short Courses writing talent.

Hosted by longstanding short courses tutor, Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone, and into its seventh year, City Writes provides an opportunity for the best new writers from the City Short Courses community to read an extract of their work, sharing the stage with one of our published alumni or tutors reading from their new or award-winning publication.

This term’s guest alumna will be debut cosy crime author and Novel Studio alumna, Jo Cunningham. Jo’s novel, Death by Numbers, was published by Constable in August this year. This delicious crime has had rave reviews and who could resist a novel about an actuary investigating a spate of deaths in Eastbourne? Hilarious and gripping, this is the perfect novel to see you through the cold winter nights. Buy your copy ahead of the event here.

To join Jo on the virtual stage, all you need to do is submit your best 1,000 words of creative fiction or non-fiction (we do accept young adult fiction but don’t currently accept children’s fiction) on any subject to rebekah.lattin-rawstrone.2@city.ac.uk with details of the City short course you are taking or have taken by midnight on Friday 15th November. Competition and submission guidelines can be found here. 

We can’t wait to read your submissions and if you are keen to secure your place for the night, you can register for the event here. Good luck!

Key Dates:

Our Writing for Social Impact course continues to offer a scholarship for one young student (18-25) from an underrepresented background and/or facing financial difficulty. Please contact the tutor, Ciaran Thapar, for more information on this opportunity.

All current students of Introduction to CopywritingWriting for Business and Narrative Non-Fiction courses are eligible to submit an idea for a blog post for short courses. If the idea is accepted, and the written piece meets our standards, it will be professionally edited and published on our blog.

The annual Book Edit Writers’ Prize is open for submissions until 15 October 2024. Judged this year by Novel Studio alumna Lara Haworth and run in association with Legend Press, this is a fantastic (and free) opportunity for any unpublished novelist from a community currently underrepresented in UK publishing. What’s up for grabs? Chance to share your work with top agents. A mentoring session with a Legend Press Commissioning Editor. A supportive community of talented writers and tailored advice from industry experts. For more details please click HERE.

Open Evening

And finally, we are running an open evening with taster sessions on 11th December. Details will be available soon but watch this space or check the website for links to registration.

That’s all for now. Keep on writing and keep your stories coming into us. And huge congratulations to all our alumni and tutors.

Maximising Your Learning Experience: Tips for Short Course Online Learners

For those who you who have never taken a course with us, we offer short courses in a range of subjects from writing to computing, languages, business, and creative industries. Catering to the busy schedules of professionals and lifelong learners, most of our courses are ten-weeks long, but we also offer one or two-day workshops, and the majority are delivered via Zoom or Teams. With the new academic year around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of practical tips to help you get the most out of your learning experience while studying from home.

 1. Stick to a Schedule

Consistency is key to managing your time effectively. Treat your online course schedule as you would a traditional in-person class. Mark your calendar with class times and allocate specific periods for reviewing materials, completing assignments, and participating in discussions.

2. Actively Engage in Classes

Active participation is crucial in an online learning environment. Keep your camera on if possible, ask questions, and contribute to discussions. Engaging with your tutor and classmates will enhance your understanding and make the learning experience more interactive, and more enjoyable

3. Stay Organised

Keeping your course materials organised can save you time and stress. Use digital folders to store notes, assignments, and readings. Tools like Google Drive, OneNote, or Evernote can help you keep everything in one place and easily accessible.

4. Take Regular Breaks

Sitting in front of a computer for extended periods can be tiring. Incorporate short breaks into your study sessions to stretch, hydrate, and relax. The Pomodoro Technique—studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break—can be an effective way to maintain concentration and engagement.

5. Network with Fellow Students

Building connections with your peers can enhance your learning experience and provide support throughout the course. Participate in group activities, or create a study group to collaborate and share insights.

6. Practice Good Posture

Maintaining good posture is essential for physical comfort and health while learning from home. Try to ensure your chair provides proper support, keep your feet flat on the ground, and position your screen at eye level to prevent neck and back strain.

7. Enhance Your Technical Skills

Familiarise yourself with Zoom, and Teams used for your courses. Make sure you iron out any login difficulties way ahead of the first session. Learn how to navigate these tools effectively, including using breakout rooms. This will help you avoid technical difficulties and participate more effectively in class.

8. Stay Motivated and Set Goals

Short courses can be intense, so staying motivated is crucial. Set clear, achievable goals for what you want to accomplish each week. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself of the reasons you enrolled in the course.

9. Seek Feedback and Support

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your tutor for feedback on your work or clarification on course materials. All our lecturers are happy to answer questions about the course content and delivery and to help you with any issues that arise.

10. Explore Opportunities 

City short courses has a range of opportunities available to students on particular courses. Familiarise yourself with what’s on offer, e.g. current and past writing students are eligible for our termly City Writes Competition, and make sure you make the most of your time at City.

Enrolling in a City short online course offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in a convenient and flexible format. By following these tips, you can help maximise your learning experience and achieve your goals. Happy learning!

For those who would like to try out one of our short courses, we are running an online open evening on September 11 2024, with tasters in a variety of subjects. Attendance is free but you’ll need to register to secure your spot. Full details are here.

 

Interview with Jo Cunningham, author of debut novel Death by Numbers

Next week sees the launch of debut cosy crime novel, Death By Numbers, written by City Novel Studio alumna Jo Cunningham. Jo took time out of her busy schedule to answer our questions ahead of publication day. Read on for her answers and for more details about the book.

 

  1. When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?

Glossing over my dubious childhood poetry and notebooks full of random jottings, I didn’t start writing ‘seriously’ until my early thirties. I went on a beginners Arvon course for a week, with no expectations, and by the end of the course I was hooked. One of the tutors on the course recommended the courses at City University for novice writers and…

 

  1. Who are you currently reading?

I have just finished reading The Misadventures of Margaret Finch by Claire McGlasson which is a beautifully written novel about a young woman in 1930s Blackpool who questions how she observes others, and herself. Next up, is Kala by Colin Walsh – I’m going to hear him speak about the book soon, so that’s exciting. And after that on my TBR pile is Monumenta by Lara Haworth – after hearing Lara’s amazing talk at the recent City Writes event, I had to get her book!

 

  1. You’ve studied creative writing and also worked hard at the craft of writing on your own. What’s been the most useful thing you’ve learned about writing a novel?

Yikes – just one thing? At the moment, I’m in an editing phase, and as I re-read each scene, I ask myself ‘Does this scene earn its keep?’ – is there enough happening to keep it – does it push the story and the characters forward? If the answer is ‘No’ then I either need to rework the scene or ditch it.

 

  1. What kind of qualities does a writer need?

Persistence and resilience.  It took me many years from starting to write novels to reach the publication stage. The main thing you must do is finish the novel. I know that sounds glib, but not everyone does. The next thing is dealing with rejection. I wish had some words of wisdom on that. Rejection hurts, but you somehow have to get over it and keep going. Even now I’m at the publication stage, I know there will be more of that to face in the future but… you only need that one person to say ‘yes’!

 

  1. What made you write a cosy crime novel? What is it about the genre that appeals to you?

Back in 2017, I’d just put another novel in the ‘bottom drawer’ and wanted to start something new. I’d been reading Douglas Adam’s Dirk Gently detective novels and was inspired to start on a humorous detective book. I read and watch a lot of cosy crime – there’s something oddly comforting about knowing everything will be resolved and usually there’s a good dose of humour included.

Author Jo Cunningham

  1. Can you tell us about your path to publication?

I’d describe it more as an obstacle course where I created some of the obstacles. For my first three novels, I didn’t bother with looking for an agent or publisher – I didn’t think they were of a good enough standard and perhaps I was trying to put off being rejected… they went straight in the bottom drawer. But the fourth novel I did send round to five or six agents. I got a couple of personal replies in amongst standard rejections and tumbleweed. I think I should have been a bit more persistent at this stage – please see my own advice about writer qualities above. Anyhow… when it came to the fifth novel, Death by Numbers, I decided I would really go for it. I sent the novel out in small batches to agents. I started to get full-read requests which boosted my confidence – this is when the agent has enjoyed the excerpt that you’ve sent and now wants to read the whole manuscript. Eventually I got an offer from my amazing agent Marina de Pass at The Soho Agency – from sending in a submission to the ‘slushpile’ – so yes, it can happen.

 

  1. What advice would you have for someone starting out writing a novel?

I’ve benefitted enormously from taking courses, getting feedback at workshops, and reading books to help improve different writing skills – structure, character, productivity. But there were times when I had step back and work out what was going to work for me. I guess my advice is that you have figure it out so that you create your own advice for yourself.

 

  1. What are you working on now?

I’m currently finishing off a batch of edits on the second book in the cosy crime series featuring Una, an actuary and a detective. It’s called Pet Hates and is due to come out in August 2025. Writing the next book in series has been a learning curve, as it has to be standalone but still have some touches that make it feel there’s some continuity for anyone who’s read the first one.

Thanks so much, Jo! We can’t wait to read the novel!

Death by Numbers will be published on 1 August and you can order a copy here.

Jo will also be our guest at next term’s City Writes. Full information on how to enter the competition or how to come along and listen to Jo read from her novel will be available on the website soon.

For more information about our writing short courses, visit our website here, or come along to the virtual open evening in September. Full information on the free taster sessions available and how to register can be found here.

Winners of 2024 City Writes Summer Event Announced

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

We’re delighted to announce the six winning authors of our City Writes Summer 2024 competition who are now due to join Novel Studio alumna and published author, Lara Haworth on the 10th July at 7pm over Zoom. Read on to find out more about these wonderful winners.

Jill Craig for her story ‘Estrangement’.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Jill now lives and works as a secondary school teacher in the North-West. Before that, she lived and worked in London, Paris and a tiny town in Greece. She has had stories published on LiterallyStoriesEgg + FrogFreckle Ltd. and this is her second reading at CityWrites. Fresh from the Novel Studio, she is currently working on a novel about how climate change affects a couple’s plans to have a family.

Emily Edwards, An Approach to Creative Writing alumna, for her story, ‘Laurie’.

Emily Edwards is from North Wales but now resides in London after spending seven years living in Paris. She currently works in finance but also has a background in voluntary work in Asia. She has been an avid reader from an early age, when she started many stories that all remained unfinished. She had to drop out of her course in 2015 due to emergency surgery but picked up her pen again this year. This is the first short story that she has ever completed.

Dee Miller for an extract from her novel, Between Wind and Water.

Dee Miller is a recent graduate of the Novel Studio. Originally from the enchanting Highlands of Scotland, she now calls Hertfordshire her home, where she works as a consultant. A keen storyteller and a reader of maps, Dee’s heart beats for children’s literature. Her imaginative world will win the hearts of young readers, and she is now engrossed in the creation of her second novel.

Margaret Rogerson, Novel Studio alumna, for her extract from her novel, I Was, Once.

Margaret is originally from Leeds and now lives with three time thieves in South East London. A feature film she co wrote and directed is currently playing on Amazon Prime (Soundproof – shameless plug) and she intends to turn her first book ‘I Was, Once’ into a screenplay. She is interested in fiction that is unafraid to tackle thorny subjects.

Flora Tonking, Novel Studio alumna, for her story, ‘The Playing Field’.

Originally from the U.K., Flora now lives in Paris, where she manages the English-language bookshop, Shakespeare and Company. A bookseller by trade, she is passionate about introducing readers to powerful stories that have the possibility to transport, delight and remind us of our shared human experience. Mystery and crime novels are her lifelong love, and she is currently working on her own first book (a mystery, of course) having just completed the Novel Studio.

Pamela Welsh, Fact-Based Storytelling alumna, for her non-fiction piece, ‘A Countess in Combat’.

Pamela Welsh is a recovering journalist who used to work for the Manchester Evening News. She now works in marketing and communications for a national education charity. Originally from Northern Ireland, Pamela’s now made Manchester her home, and was heavily involved in the response to the 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack. Pamela has long been fascinated by women’s history, and is working on a book project on women in conflict.

With a diverse range of stories from activists to accounts of accidental murder all the way through to the complexities of intimate family reconnections, the prize-winners alone promise a wonderful night on Wednesday 10th July. To top off their fantastic pieces, we will hear from debut novelist, Lara Haworth, barely a week after the publication of her novel, Monumenta, already bringing in fantastic reviews. The Observer called it ‘a deeply political work’ that ‘fizzes with ideas’. Sign up to hear from Lara and our competition winners here. We’ll see you there on Wednesday 10th July at 7pm on Zoom. We can’t wait!

The Art of Curating and Exhibition Management

What’s Your Vision?

At City short courses, our Curating and Exhibition Management course is run by Renée Pfister, an esteemed art consultant, curator, registrar and business development manager. She was part of the curatorial team at the British Museum, where she was involved in realising major projects such as the Great Court and the Weston Gallery of Roman-Britain. At the Tate Gallery she worked as a Registrar from 1999 to 2005 and was responsible for managing acquisitions and ground-breaking international exhibitions from the Tate’s collection. She also participated in a Registrars’ exchange programme at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York, wrote a chapter for the Routledge publication Understanding International Art Markets & Management, and worked for the late Sir Anthony Caro as an advisor. Since 2010 she has run her own art and gallery consultancy.

Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy quickly established a loyal portfolio of clients: Whitney Museum of American Art; Morgan Library & Museum, both in New York; the British Embassy, Paris; the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Government Art Collection, the German Embassy and Waltham Forest Council, London; the Victoria Museum, Kiev and the Pushkin Museum State Museum of Fine Art, Moscow, providing them with a wide range of collection and exhibition management services. The Consultancy also represents many international artists: Peter Zimmermann, Chris Tille, Alexandra Carr and Elisa Bracher to name but a few. More recently Renée worked with the Serpentine Gallery London,  Torus Torus Studios Tyne & Wear; Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit; National Library Canberra; Islamic Arts Biennale Jeddah and the Manar Light Project Abu Dhabi. Renée  also offers support to gallery owners new in the business and career mentoring services to emerging and mid-career artists.

Renée Pfister condition checking a painting in a private residence in Paris ©Renée Pfister.

As Renee explores in her City course, curating and exhibition management go beyond mere display to how stories are told and emotions provoked, and has the power to foster connections between audiences and artworks. In this blog, we delve into the essence of this process, exploring what it involves and how it shapes our cultural landscape.

Curating and Exhibition Management

Curating entails selecting, organising, and presenting artworks or artifacts within a defined indoor or outdoor space, within a thematic or conceptual framework. Exhibition management encompasses the legal, conservation, logistic and technical requirements of bringing these curatorial  visions to life, from planning and budgeting to installation and promotion. Together, they form one of the core activities of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions worldwide, shaping the way we engage with art, heritage, and our world.

The Value of Curating

  1. Interpretation: Curators interpret the significance of artworks and contextualise them within broader historical, cultural, political or social narratives. Through thoughtful selection and arrangement, they guide viewers on a journey of discovery, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation.
  2. Meaning: Exhibitions are designed to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and spark dialogue. Effective curation transforms spaces into dynamic environments where artworks come alive, forging connections between creators, audiences, and ideas.
  3. Cultural Heritage: Curation plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage, safeguarding artworks for future generations. By curating exhibitions that celebrate diversity and inclusivity, they contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.
  4. Innovation and Dialogue: By curating exhibitions that embrace experimentation and a diversity of perspectives, curators foster innovation and stimulate dialogue, driving cultural change.

Renée Pfister in conversation with Peter Zimmermann, discussing his exhibition ‘Colourscape’ at the German Embassy in London ©Peter Zimmermann, Thorsten Schneider and Renée Pfister.

The Curatorial and Exhibition Management Process

  1. Research and Concepts: Curators begin by conducting extensive research on artists, movements, and themes, identifying overarching concepts or narratives that will guide the exhibition.

    Beyond Display

  2. Selection, Collections and Loans: Curators select artworks from the museum’s collections and borrow additional key representations that align with the agreed concept, considering factors such as artistic quality, historical significance, and relevance to the theme.
  3. Design and Installation: Curators work closely with designers, conservators, registrars, and art handling technicians, to realise their vision. Taking care of the exhibits during the installation and exhibition period are of utmost importance. Lighting, spatial arrangement, and signage are all considered in an effort to enhance the viewer experience and to deliver an outstanding exhibition experience.
  4. Promotion and Outreach: Curators collaborate with marketing teams to promote the exhibition through social media and news outlets. Outreach efforts aim to attract diverse audiences and communities, offering physical and intellectual access to maximise engagement.

Curating and exhibition management represent the intersection of art, storytelling, and cultural stewardship. Curators shape our collective understanding of the world and enrich our cultural experiences. Their role remains crucial in preserving heritage, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful connections between art and society.

The next Curating and Exhibition Management short course at City will take place in October 2024.

For our full range of Creative Industry Short Courses, and all our other Short Courses, visit our home page HERE.

 

 

 

City Writes Creative Writing Spring 2024 Showcase Event Opens for Submissions

City Writes guest and Novel Studio alumna, Lara Haworth.

This term’s City Writes showcase for all the wonderful writing coming from City’s short creative writing courses will feature the fantastically talented artist, debut author and Novel Studio alumna, Lara Haworth, on the 10th July at 7pm over Zoom.

Lara’s novel, Monumenta, will be published by Canongate on the 4th July, less than a week before City Writes. Set in Belgrade, Monumenta follows the fortunes of Olga Pavic and her family as her home is requisitioned for demolition. In place of the house, there will be a monument to a massacre, but with three possible horrors to commemorate, which will be memorialised and what secrets is Olga hiding from her children? You can pre-order your copy here.

To join Lara on the virtual stage, all you need to do is submit your best 1,000 words of creative fiction or non-fiction (we do accept young adult fiction but don’t currently accept children’s fiction) on any subject to rebekah.lattin-rawstrone.2@city.ac.uk with details of the City short course you are taking or have taken by midnight on Friday 14th June. Competition and submission guidelines can be found here.

We can’t wait to read your submissions and if you are keen to secure your place for the night, you can register for the event here. Good luck!

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