What can we say?
We hope you’re well, and we really do mean that.
We’re aware that everyone is facing a unique challenge right now. We know that creative writing, for many people, has quickly become more difficult. More than anything else, we hope you’re looking after yourselves, your physical and mental health.
Although writing is an artform usually associated with periods of isolation, we’re keenly aware that protracted social isolation is for the most part not good for writers. How we should respond to this situation has been occupying our minds, pretty much constantly.
What are we doing?
In the last couple of weeks we’ve been dealing with immediate challenges facing New Writing South. We’ve contacted all the writers, tutors, students and friends that we’ve been working with as we process a wave of unavoidable cancellations.
We’re now thinking hard about the next stage and planning how we to redesign the support we offer writers.
Right now we’re consulting with writers in the south east, gathering information to help us refocus our development work. We want this to be viable in the present moment and in the future, too, as we don’t know how long this will continue. In the next couple of weeks we will be sending out a survey, so you can let us know what you personally need, or would like, to feel supported and keep writing.
We’re talking to our partners, looking for ways to re-shape and restructure our programme of events and workshops, as well as the Creative Writing Programme.
We’re also discussing new initiatives to support the writing community at this time, and help writers come together and keep making connections.
UPDATE 2 APRIL 2020.
(ORIGINAL POST BENEATH – 10 MARCH 2020)
With regret, due to concern relating to COVID-19, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel or postpone New Writing South events in March, April and May 2020. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have booked a place to a workshop, masterclass or course, we will have been in touch by email with further information.
We have made this decision with a heavy heart, out of concern for the health and wellbeing of our writing community.
We offer solidarity to writers and artists through this difficult time. We are now in discussion about ways to create opportunities and provide creative support for writers in the coming months.
For updates on Coronavirus go to:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
For information from the NHS UK:
