Being a writer can be isolating at times, so when I heard about the British Council writing programs in Greece, I jumped at the chance to connect with other writers whilst appreciating my heritage, and sent in my application. I was delighted when the acceptance email arrived – offering me a place in the course!
The British Council has been involved with the Greek public system for some time now, due to the fact that the standard of English has declined over there, and many are looking for guidance from the British Council.
In 2013, the British Council identified a unique solution and uncharted market in Greece. This involved building a local creative writing school, where British creative writing methodologies and expertise could be developed locally.
Through a partnership with the Kingston Writing School (Kingston University, London), the British Council Summer School writing programs began in Athens and Thessaloniki.
I had already decided my holidays were going to be in Greece this year; it was a very fortunate coincidence that the writing program was being held around the time I wanted to visit. I was thrilled and incredibly honoured that my writing met the high standard required of course participants, and my application therefore accepted. More than 130 talented writers in multiple writing genres and from all around the world have attended these Summer School courses in Greece in the three years they have been running. I am proud to be part of this fascinating and unique Greek creative writing legacy.
What could be more enticing than learning to write in the cosmopolitan city of Thessaloniki, the multicultural hub of the east meeting the west? Greeks, and everyone else who is knowledgeable and passionate about the country, realise that Greece doesn’t consist only of Athens and the islands. Thessaloniki is a crossroads – you arrive with one thing – you leave with another. I get lost in the journey of it. I’d be walking to class and thinking of Zabettas’ Ston Lefko ton Pyrgo.
Στην Αριστοτέλους πιάσαμε κουβέντα
και περπατήσαμε στην Τσιμισκή
από `κει και πέρα γίναμε παρέα
και γίναμε ζευγάρι εγώ κι αυτή
His lyrics came so alive for me when I was there. The hotel where I was staying was at Aristotelous and my course was held on Tsimiski and I felt in tune with the Thessalonikian pulse. Her sun, sea and sleekness amid the backdrop of the Lefko Pyrgo gave me an exhilarating FIX (beer). The sights, scents and sounds of the places and characters that inhabit Greece – their complexity an essence, accessorised me.
My fiction course (20-25 June) served to renew my personal pledge and strengthened the foundations for my upcoming novel.
I savoured the workshop discussions and explored narrative elements and new techniques through creative writing exercises and readings. At the same time, I was impressed by the dedication of the local Thessaloniki writers who are highly-skilled professionals, all endeavouring to tell their story in print. I was quite surprised at the literary menu – it was a smorgasbord of epic fantasy, dark horror and gothic.
This also happened to be the first trip to Thessaloniki for our guidance guru, Martin Ouvry, and we introduced him to many local (dopia) rituals – a new tsipouro junkie was born! Many evenings were spent debriefing over beers while overlooking the ancient agora.
On our last night, Plateia Athonas carried our voices harmoniously joined by the talented Greek musicians strumming their bouzoukia, with each of us inebriated by our newly-acquired knowledge.
Thank you Thessaloniki!
How to apply:
The organisation and coordination of the program and execution were excellent – special thanks to Maria Papaioannou, arts manager and Chrysoula Melidou, partnerships and programs coordinator at the British Council Greece.
Australian writers are welcome and encouraged to apply. More information about the Summer School program is available at www.britishcouncil.gr/events
For further inquiries, email chrysoula.melidou@britishcouncil.gr
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Kali andamosi!