ArtsWrite is designed to support confirmed graduate researchers towards the completion of one or more major components of a thesis manuscript, by providing them with the time and the tools to draft as much new material as possible in a single weekend.
Core Objectives
- To provide students the time to make maximum progress on one or more significant writing tasks;
- To gain an experiential understanding of generative writing techniques, so that they can apply the method to other academic writing they subsequently undertake;
- To overcome issues of isolation, writer’s block, procrastination, and perfectionism.
Preparation
In the fortnight prior to the event, participants are sent preparatory tasks in which they are asked to clarify the goals, chapter structures, and core arguments they wish to focus on during ArtsWrite. Preparatory materials also introduce participants to a range of generative writing strategies.
Format
While our transition back to on-campus delivery of research activities is still underway, May's ArtsWrite will be held online. This model has been rolled out across a number of other Universities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with people joining remotely via Zoom. Post-event, participants will be surveyed to gather responses to the online model. The core components of on-campus ArtsWrite have been maintained, while strategies for reducing 'Zoom fatigue' have been incorporated. A detailed two-day schedule of event components will be circulated to participants prior to the event, involving the following components:
- Dedicated workshops-format discussions each morning
- Opportunities for one on one consultation with facilitators
- Structured 'Pomodoro' writing sprints
- Group activities facilitated through Zoom 'breakout' rooms
- Reflective debrief discussions
- Provision of tools and demarcation of defined, intensive writing windows with and during which candidates will have the opportunity to make significant progress on their thesis
Facilitator
ArtsWrite will be facilitated by Dr Liam Connell, who has worked in research training and education since the late 2000s. Liam currently works in research development at La Trobe University, Australia, and has previously held academic roles at the University of Melbourne as well as working as a Senior Consultant with Darlo Higher Education. Liam is co-author of the book "Your PhD Survival Guide: Planning, Writing, and Succeeding in Your Final Year" (Routledge, 2020) and has facilitated ArtsWrite workshops for Faculty of Arts graduate researchers at the University of Melbourne since 2013.
Application
Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 11 May 2022. ArtsWrite will be held online from 28 - 29 May 2022.