Summer Institute Creative Writing

July 8–July 26, 2024

Three weeks
Three college credits 
Monday–Friday,  9 a.m.–4 p.m. & evening workshop hours

Work with award-winning, published authors and editors to sharpen your writing skills and develop your voice. Through college-level discussion, prompts, creative analysis and critiques, observational exercises around Philly, and workshops, you’ll broaden your experience and talent as a writer in a dynamic environment. You’ll explore several genres, including fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. 

Over the course of three weeks, you’ll take four classes: three writing courses and one elective.

Overview

Writing prompts and observational exercises in the city of Philadelphia spark discussion and critique.  Cross-disciplinary electives and collaborations allow you to explore an area of strength or branch out into something new, which will equip you to be able to tell your distinct story. 

Instructors and guest writers share advice for unlocking new modes of creative language and voice, and mentors provide critical feedback during evening workshopping conferences. You’ll also participate in weekly workshops and roundtable discussions with members of Philadelphia’s literary scene.

At the end of this program, students will

  • complete for presentation a polished work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry.

  • learn skills in critical thinking and revision practice through peer review and workshopping.

  • build skills in writing autobiographically and/or writing from lived experience.

  • gain facility with character development, plot and short story devices such as imagery, symbolism, perspective, voice and tone.

  • hone skills in poetry, considering structure, rhyme, image, as well as performative aspects.

  • explore methods and practices of being a writer in the world, including sharing work via submissions to literary magazines and community events; residencies, writing institutes and fellowships; and interacting with contemporary text.

Programming

Core Classes

You'll hone your craft in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and other forms, and study with a different dynamic faculty member each week. The program focus changes weekly and allows room for you to follow your inspiration, wherever it may take you.

Creative Writing

Focus on developing your voice while exploring contemporary approaches to writing. Compose original work in various formats, based on prompts that incite experimentation, while participating in critiques with peers and faculty.

Zine Writing Workshop

Students will explore zine editing, using their own writing to collaboratively put together an edited zine.

 

Electives

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in an elective course on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Applicants will rank their preferred electives and enroll in one of the following options. 

Character Design Illustration

Working with a professional in the field, you’ll research and use your imagination to develop and design original characters that tell their stories. You'll use a variety of traditional and digital media to create thumbnail sketches that evolve into highly rendered character designs suitable for various applications including games, animation, comics, graphic novels and illustration.

Risograph Printing

A Risograph printer echoes the vibrant “ink on paper” look of offset printing and is accessible to artists working in both analog and digital media, including illustrators, designers, printmakers and mixed-media artists. In this class, you’ll learn about the Risograph and create your own zines, posters and limited edition prints.

Photography Workshop

Hone your photographic skills to create exhibition quality images and prints. Learn professional digital photography and develop your abilities in composition, lighting techniques, color and tonality to take dynamic images.

Jewelry/Metals

Learn to create a one of a kind wearable piece of jewelry through various metalworking techniques including soldering fabrication, cold connections and polishing. You'll walk away with one or more pieces of finished jewelry.

Sketchbooks: Experiments & Field Notes

Learn to use your sketchbook as a visual journal for observation and invention. You’ll experiment with markers, ink and cut paper, and field trips will encourage you to work from life and your imagination.

Sculpture

Learn a wide range of 3-D techniques and processes, including modeling, carving and installation, among others. Work in numerous media in various shops across the university.

Mixed Media Painting

Enjoy diverse approaches to making mixed media paintings. The class will begin with a demonstration of painting techniques, and will explore the incorporation of printmaking and collage. The layering of the materials is the most important element in creating intriguing visual compositions and juxtapositions, which can enhance and enrich your own personal content within the work.

Digital Effects for Film & Animation

Create effects for live action and animated films using Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere. Shoot and light sequences in front of a green screen for a range of settings, and create standard effects such as muzzle slashes, lightsabers and explosions.

A Week in the Life

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View a sample schedule.

Monday 

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.  Creative Writing

  • 1–4 p.m. Elective

  • 4–6 p.m. Open Studio

Tuesday

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Creative Writing

  • 1–4 p.m. Zine Writing Workshop

  • 4–6 p.m.  Open Studio

Wednesday 

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.  Poetry

  • 1–4 p.m. Elective

  • 4–6 p.m. Workshopping 

Thursday 

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Creative Writing

  • 1–4 p.m. Zine Writing Workshop

  • 4–6 p.m. Open Studio

Friday

  • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Creative Writing

  • 1–4 p.m  Creative Writing

Saturday 

  • Optional off-campus field trips

Note: Students break for lunch between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. every day. Some evening activities are part of the program’s curriculum. Commuters should plan accordingly.

Faculty

Courses in Creative Writing are taught by artists and creative professionals. The majority of our faculty teach in the degree programs at UArts. Our expert faculty comprises  seasoned educators and dedicated artists who enjoy sharing their expertise and collaborate with the next generation of artists.

How to Apply

Start your application.

Application priority deadline Saturday, April 13 2024. 

Application Requirements

  • Complete the Summer Institute application.

  • Submit an essay or writing sample. Students applying for a scholarship must submit a portfolio.

    • Essay

      • Include an essay of 300 words maximum, that explains why you want to attend the program and what you hope to gain from the experience.

    • Writing Sample

      • Upload at least one writing sample (fiction, poetry or creative nonfiction) completed within the last year. 

      • All samples should not exceed three pages in length and can be an excerpt from a longer work.

  • Pay the $15 application fee.

Tuition & Fees  

Tuition: $3,400
Program fee: $150  
Housing and meals: $1,500

Commuter total: $3,550
Residential total: $5,050

Supplies

Students are expected to bring supplies with them or purchase them once they arrive on campus. Supply lists will be shared one month before the program starts with cost estimates.

Spending & Miscellaneous Expenses

Students spend an average of $80–$100 per week on additional items including laundry, snacks, personal spending and non-required supplies.

Scholarships

Scholarships for the Summer Institute are awarded to students in high academic standing with significant creative potential and financial need. Scholarship awards are competitive. Students are able to apply for either a merit- or need-based scholarship. 

Learn about Summer Institute scholarships.

 

The Summer Institute Creative Writing program was a reminder that I was and remain on the path where I feel most myself.
— Isabel Rose Catalan ’25 (Creative Writing), ’20 (Summer Institute)

Questions?

Request more info

Contact Pre-College
precollege@uarts.edu
Pre-College Programs
211 S. Broad St, Terra Hall 9th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-717-6430

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