Announcing the New Brampton Writer in Residence Program

All Brampton-based professional artists and writers are encouraged to apply

BRAMPTON, ON (December 5, 2024) – the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO), Brampton Library, and the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), are pleased to announce their new Brampton Writer in Residence Program.

This program will connect a local published author with emerging writers for mentorship. It builds on the existing Brampton Artist in Residence program, created by BAO and Brampton Library to unlock new paths for local artists and community members to engage in creative experiences. The program supports writers and encourages exchanges between the chosen author and the community while encouraging more exploration of Brampton’s arts, culture and creative industries. 
Kevin will be in-residence at the Gore Meadows Branch Library from February 25 to April 25, 2025. Throughout the course of the residency, Kevin will be available for one-on-one consultations, lead two workshops, and join in a final celebration, the Writer in Residence Showcase, planned for Friday, April 25, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Gore Meadows.

This eight-week residency includes $3000 in funding and a free, dedicated workspace at Gore Meadows Branch Library for the selected writer. It requires a time commitment of 10 hours per week for community engagement, including developing and delivering three (3) programs and/or workshops and offering regular one-on-one appointments with local writers to review their written work, and personal attention to their own project.

The program is open to all Brampton-based professional artists and writers with a minimum of three published works of fiction (novels, short stories, and the like). The successful applicant should also have experience developing and teaching creative writing workshops to aspiring writers. Finally, they should be working on, or planning to work on, a new project intended for publication.

Click here for more information and to apply for this residency.

Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

• An information session on December 10, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., will be held via Zoom. Please register here, 
• For any questions about this program, contact Katy Belshaw, Head of Programming at BAO, katy@bramptonartsorg.ca.

One writer and their project will be selected based on artistic merit, impact, and viability as expressed in the application form and submitted support materials. Applications from Brampton writers will be prioritized, although writers from Peel Region and the GTA are invited to apply.

Links

Further information, program guidelines, information session registration and the application form can be found at Brampton Arts Organization.

Brampton is home to many local, talented artists who play a vital role in creating vibrant communities. Through art, we learn to express ourselves in creative ways while connecting with others through unique experiences. I’m excited about the unique opportunity to celebrate local talent through the Brampton Writer in Residence Program and encourage anyone who is eligible to apply.

Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

Local art reflects our diverse and dynamic community. Through the Brampton Writer in Residence Program, residents can experience a unique opportunity and receive feedback from a published Brampton author. Programs like this create future community leaders and I look forward to continuing to work to foster an environment where everyone can thrive.

Gurpartap Singh Toor, Regional Councillor, Wards 9 & 10; Council Representative, Board of Directors, Brampton Arts Organization

The Brampton Writer in Residence Program is a celebration of our city’s literary talent and a testament to the power of local storytelling. This initiative builds on the success of our ongoing Artist in Residence Program with the Brampton Library and further highlights the voices shaping Brampton’s creative landscape. At BAO, we are proud to champion programs that inspire creativity, foster connections, and elevate our vibrant literary community.

Michael Vickers, Executive Director, Brampton Arts Organization

Brampton Library is so excited to host the BAO Writer in Residence program, where the community is directly engaged in the creative process of art and literature. We invite everyone to drop in and learn about the writing process and to be inspired by the connection they make to a work in progress.

Todd Kyle, Chief Executive Officer, Brampton Library

As a Brampton author and local literary festival organizer, it’s so exciting to see three arts-based organizations partnering together to create a new opportunity for Canadian writers. The FOLD is delighted to be a part of this project. We’re looking forward to seeing new literary experiences for Brampton residents that support readers and writers in the city.

Jael Richardson, Author and FOLD Executive Director

Media inquiries, please contact:

Gardenia Flores, Marketing & Communications Lead
gardenia@bramptonartsorg.ca

About the Brampton Arts Organization 

The Brampton Arts Organization (BAO) is a registered non-profit that champions Brampton’s diverse arts, culture and creative industries and advocates for the #BramptonArtist. We work to build a thriving, confident, valued, and empowered creative scene by offering a range of programs, services and resources. In this, BAO is a key partner in fulfilling the City of Brampton’s strategic vision and Culture Master Plan. Learn more at bramptonartsorg.ca and connect with us at Instagram, Facebook, X(formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

About Brampton Library

In its eight modern branches and online, Brampton Library is building an inclusive community by inspiring learning, literacy, and social cohesion. Apply online for a Brampton Library card, free to all residents in Ontario. Register for in-person and virtual programs for all ages and interests through the calendar of events and subscribe to our email updates. Follow us on social media and download our Brampton Library mobile app on iOS and Google Play. Learn more at bramptonlibrary.ca.

About The FOLD Foundation | thefoldcanada.org

The FOLD Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that celebrates underrepresented and marginalised authors and storytellers from Canada and around the world through two annual festivals–the Festival of Literary Diversity each May, and the FOLD Kids Book Fest in November–as well as through a number of literary programming initiatives held throughout the year.