Creative Writing Workshop

Classical myths have long inspired poetry, prose, tragedy, comedy, music, dance, and the visual arts. We invite students to study some of these ancient stories and to explore their influence on contemporary culture in this Calder Classics Creative Writing Workshop in Florence. 

Creative Writing students spend 10 days in a centrally-located residence in Florence immersed in an atmosphere shaped by classical and Renaissance culture. To inspire their own writing, students join together to read and discuss classical stories in translation. Then, under the guidance of an experienced writing mentor, they work on drafting their own literary pieces in a workshop setting. Students also explore local cultural treasures and take trips to the monuments, churches, and museums of Florence with our resident art historian, visiting sites that reflect that day’s reading.  Evenings feature cultural, leisure, and culinary offerings. Site visits and meals are shared with Calder Classics Latin students, although all Writing Workshops are held separately from Latin classes.

Through daily writing workshops, readings of ancient and modern literature, and exploration of local sites our students are sure to hear the local muses and return home with their own manuscripts of modern myths.

Workshop

Students read classical works in translation by such authors as Homer, Vergil and Ovid, as well as contemporary fiction and poetry. Readings build on classical themes that are carefully curated to inspire each student’s own writing.  In response to prompts based on these themes, students compose and submit their creative writing during workshops where peers and their mentor read and critique the work in a constructive and supportive environment.

Each Creative Writing student submits a second draft of a longer piece that is honed further.  In a culminating experience, Creative Writing students share their final polished work aloud with their peers.

Dive into Italy’s Art, Culture, and History

Throughout the course, we engage with local art and historical artifacts that are related thematically to, or directly inspired by, the literature we have read. Guided by our resident art historian, every day we explore the treasures of Florence, a myriad of museums, monuments, churches, palazzos, and piazzas, and view such works as the Duomo of Florence, the Fra Angelico frescoes at the Convent of San Marco, and a selection of Last Supper paintings. Our workshop discussions focus on the historical context and broader themes of the art as well as its connection to the writing prompts.  For example, a visit to Dante's local haunts is illuminated by a discussion of Dante's Inferno, Vergil's description of Aeneas's trip to the underworld, and Tessa Hadley’s short story “Dido’s Lament”. Students then compose their own story based on their visions of the underworld.

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Staff

Accommodations

Our residence is situated in the central district of Santissima Annunziata / San Marco, not far from the Galleria dell’Accademia and 10 minutes away from the Duomo. We are close to all the main points of interest in the city, which can be easily reached on foot. With access to a kitchen and living area, we cook, study, and relax together in a supportive and comfortable environment. 

All rooms are doubles or triples with single beds. They feature air conditioning and internet service.

Application Deadline

Students are accepted on a rolling admissions basis while space is available. Please submit your application by the deadline of April 30 to receive priority consideration for this program. Applications received before this date will be considered as they are received and acceptances will be granted based on careful consideration by our staff. Applications received after this date will be carefully considered as they are received as long as spots are still available.

Your application will be processed and you will receive a reply regarding your acceptance status within one to two weeks of your submission date provided that we have received your teacher reference.

Dates and Fees

July 2-12,  2023

The $6,000 tuition includes accommodations, transportation within Italy, museum entries, instruction, and course materials (certain additional books may need to be purchased). Breakfast and either lunch or dinner are also included. Depending on our daily schedules, students will be on their own for either a midday lunch break or an evening dinner break.  Students are responsible for the cost of their own activities outside of the group. Airfare is not included.

Transportation

Calder Classics will not be responsible for chaperoning students on flights to or from Florence. However, students may choose to travel on the same flight as our staff on either or both legs of the journey between New York City and Florence. Calder Classics will arrange transportation between the airport and the residence ONLY for those students who choose to travel on a flight with our staff, or who coordinate with our flight at arrival or departure. The details of the flight will be specified in advance. Students traveling on their own must make their own connections to the residence. 

Calder Classics Testimonials

“My time in Florence was an intellectually and culturally enriching experience. Exploring the city every morning (a trip to the Palazzo Strozzi to see works by Verrcocchio and da Vinci was particularly exciting) and returning in the afternoon to a structured academic environment afforded us both intellectual rigor and an immersive travel experience. I had a fantastic time writing, reading, making friends, and becoming familiar with the Florentine world.” Edie, student

“Workshopping with a small group of people in one of the most inspirational cities in the world was truly a great experience. Our reading selection consisted of fantastic stories and excerpts by writers ranging from Dante to Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I especially loved seeing the themes we read about appear in our art trips (e.g. the theme of an underdog and then seeing Michelangelo’s David).” Nick, student

“In a visceral way, I connected with the past and really understood the significance of where we were and how what we build and write really serves as our lock against oblivion.” Creative Writing student

"I am a firm believer that happy kids love to learn, especially when they are in an environment surrounded by great educators and other enthusiastic students. My daughter loved your program. The photos and updates you sent home were priceless and she enjoyed the small intimate group. These kids will be friends for a long time." A parent

Photos From Previous Trips

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