|
It was like being put in one of those contest boxes where someone turns on a fan and money is flying around you, except I wasn’t stuffing my pockets full of dollar bills, they were finches, and I wasn’t grabbing them so much as we agreed to live together.
—’11 participant
Every summer, the Juniper Institute gathers together a community of writers dedicated to exploring the creative process and advancing their craft.
Workshops
 At the heart of the Institute are intensive workshops in poetry, fiction, and memoir. Working closely with faculty and a core group of peer writers, participants generate new work and revise work in progress. Enrollment in each workshop is limited so that every writer has ample opportunity to present his or her work.
My favorite aspect of workshop was the approach to writing, to our work. . . that is, the focus on POSSIBILITY – tapped and untapped, known and unknown, and how we as writers might arrive at places of unexpected or unseen possibility throughout and within our own craft.
—’11 participant
Each Day
 Interactive craft sessions provide small-group contexts for faculty and writers in residence to explore specific techniques, themes, and forms in depth, or to lead participants in writing exercises. On alternate days, the Juniper community gathers for moderated Q&As in which eminent members of our faculty discuss issues pertinent to their work and the writing life. Together, craft sessions and Q&As give Juniper participants numerous opportunities to engage with the Institute's distinguished faculty and writers in residence, and to delve into diverse areas of craft and process.
I am leaving this week with a ton of new exercises and ideas that will carry me through when I'm once again back in the real world.
—’11 participant
Each evening features dynamic readings by Juniper faculty and writers in residence who share new and selected work. Common meals and open-mic readings, both held at the charming and historic University Club, provide further occasions for conversation and exchange. The daily schedule also includes free time for writing, relaxing, socializing, and enjoying the many charms of the Pioneer Valley.
Housing
Institute tuition does not include accommodations. Participants may choose the housing option that best suits their needs. Upon acceptance, applicants receive information about a range of convenient options, including suite-style university residence halls, area inns, B&Bs, and hotels.
Like being at home. It was all I hoped for and more.
—’10 participant
Location
 New England’s literary history is profound. Art, music, theater, dance, and natural beauty abound in the region. Amherst and Northampton offer a wealth of museums, libraries, special collections and archives, independent bookstores, cinemas, music, and restaurants. The neighboring Berkshires are home to world-renowned dance, theater, and music.
The Amherst and Northampton area never ceases to be beautiful, reflective and calming, as well as creatively lush and welcoming.
—’09 participant
Admission
The Juniper Institute welcomes writers of diverse life experiences and writing styles. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Workshops fill quickly, so early application is recommended.
Scholarships
The Institute awards several work-study scholarships and scholarship grants on the basis of need and merit. Scholarship applications must be postmarked by April 2, 2012.
Tuition
Tuition of $1,125 includes all Institute activities, daily lunch, and welcome dinner. Academic credit is available.
Auditing
Space allowing, individuals may audit the Institute for a fee of $300, which includes craft sessions, Q&As, and evening readings only. Auditors do not attend workshops.
Manuscript Consultation
All participants receive detailed attention to their writing in workshop. However, for those interested in private feedback on a longer selection, a limited number of manuscript consultations with Institute faculty and writers in residence are available for a fee of $150.
Community is the strength of this program…it feels like there is an openness from top-down to the rather mystical experience of writing.
—’11 participant
|
