 MEDIA RELEASE |
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MEDIA RELEASE |
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November 1, 1999
For Immediate Release
Banff Centre Announces New Director of Writing Studio Programs
(Banff) Governor General's Award winning author Greg Hollingshead is the new Director of the Writing Studio programs at The Banff Centre for the Arts. Rachel Wyatt hands over the position after a 12-year relationship with the program as faculty and director.
In making the announcement, Carol A. Phillips, Vice President, The Banff Centre and Director, The Banff Centre for the Arts first expressed gratitude for Wyatt's tenure and welcomed Hollingshead into elite company, "The Writing Studio has an outstanding history of leadership. W.O. Mitchell, Adele Wiseman and Rachel Wyatt have all brought unique gifts to the writers and the program. We are all keen to see which of Greg Hollingshead's many talents will make the most lasting impression on the program."
Hollingshead, who has taught British and Canadian literature since 1975 and Creative Writing since 1983 at the University of Alberta, said he finds the prospect of coming to Banff immensely appealing "I am delighted to be taking this on because Rachel, Edna [Alford] and Don [McKay] have built an enviable reputation for the program. They all have extraordinary talent themselves but also have the rare ability of putting their egos aside when working with others. I believe the one-on-one editing offered by the Writing Studio is invaluable to writers, who at certain times in their careers can also benefit from the weeks in residence the Studio affords." he explained.
The 1999-2000 Writing Studio continues until November 9. Writing Studio for 2000-2001 takes place in May 2001 with both Hollingshead and Wyatt involved as part of the transition.
BIOS
GREG HOLLINGSHEAD
- Faculty, Writing Studio, 1996
- Participant, May Studio, 1988
- Currently working on novel set in 19th century England
- Has published two novels and three collections of stories
- Teaches in English Department of the University of Alberta, Creative Writing since 1983
and British and Canadian literature since 1975
Published works include:
- The Healer (1998) -- a novel, published in USA and Britain: winner of Writers
Trust Rogers Fiction Award, George Bugnet Award and shortlisted for Giller Prize
- White Buick (1992) -- a collection of short stories: winner of Howard O'Hagan
Award
- Spin Dry (1992) -- a novel: winner of George Bugnet Award
- Roaring Girl (1995) -- a collection of short stories, published in Britain,
USA, Germany and China: winner of Governor General's Award for Fiction and Howard O'Hagan
Award
- Famous Players (1982) -- a collection of short stories
RACHEL WYATT
- Program Director of Writing Studio since 1992
- Worked with Adele Wiseman as faculty and associate director starting in 1986
- Read at 1999 Winnipeg, Victoria and Banff-Calgary writers festivals
Published works include:
- Five novels, many radio dramas and several stage plays
- Comedy Knock, Knock opens at Alberta Theatre Projects playRites'2000
- Mona Lisa Smiled A Little (1999) -- her latest novel
- Anthologized in Oxford Collection of Stories by Canadian Women (1999)
- The Day Marlene Dietrich Died (1996) -- a collection of short stories
THE BANFF CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
Canada's only year-round multidisciplinary environment devoted to professional development
and lifelong learning for artists. Artists participate in a broad selection of programs
geared toward individual and group transformation.
The Centre's focus is on professional working artists and practitioners of arts related production or technology disciplines who require formal and informal dialogue with peers in order to advance their creative practice.
The Banff Centre for Conferences, The Banff Centre for Management, The Banff Centre for Mountain Culture and the 67-year-old Banff Centre for the Arts together form the diverse Banff Centre.
WRITING STUDIO PROGRAMS AT THE BANFF CENTRE:
Writing Studio
- Unique supportive context for 25 writers
- Open to writers already producing works of literary merit
- Writers are encouraged to pursue their own artistic visions and voices
- Staff of notable writers and guest editors provide editorial help and expertise
- Gives support not readily available elsewhere at critical stage in writer's career
- Applicants have published a body of work and concentrate on a book-length manuscript or
manuscript-in-progress
- Writers work with an editor during their stay
- Occasional readings given by writers
- Discussions with visiting professionals
- Workshops in relaxation techniques and reading to an audience are offered
Writing with Style
- For writers of all levels
- Writers apply and work in one of the following genres: short fiction, poetry, memoirs,
mystery, speculative fiction or critical reviews
- Writers learn to edit and shape their manuscripts
- Discover new ideas for story development
- Gain confidence in own style and process
- Individual sessions with faculty