The 31st International Summer School takes place from Monday July 23 to Saturday July 28 in the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh.
The five-day festival of culture and creativity includes a three-day creative writing workshop series for keen writers to hone their skills, new fiction offerings from leading novelists from across the UK and Ireland, daily poetry readings, talks, debates, theatre, music, and more.
This year’s line-up includes workshops with poet Nessa O’Mahoney, poet David Wheatley, short-story writer and novelist Mary O’Donnell, novelist, playwright, and film and television director Ferdia Mac Anna, and novelist Bernie McGill, as well as a range of facilitated talks and discussions on topical issues, and with seasoned writers.
The aim of the Summer School is to explore political and cultural issues through literature and the arts, and to encourage residents of Northern Ireland, and beyond, to think critically about the world around them.
Through lectures, discussions and debate, the Summer School raises issues of relevance to the divided society in Northern Ireland, providing a platform for audiences to engage with speakers from different backgrounds, experiences, and points of view.
The Society encourages the use of the arts as a means to explore sensitive issues, and offers opportunities for engagement with high-profile, high-quality artists and writers, with creative writing workshops that aim to specifically develop the confidence of individuals, and help aid their contributions within their own communities.
A key element of the Summer School is the Bursary Scheme. The Bursary Scheme creates opportunities for those who would not otherwise be able to attend the Summer School to participate in discussions and debates around building a stronger shared community in post-conflict NI. It is a core belief of the Society that engagement in discussions and debate on a civic society should be made available to all. Successful applicants will receive accommodation in Armagh for five nights, breakfast, and refreshments, as well as ticket entry to all Summer School events.
For more information on the John Hewitt Society International Summer School, and for more information on how to apply for the bursary, go to www.johnhewittsociety.org.