‘Wonderful opportunities’ for creative writing in North Shields Cultural Quarter

The first in a series of creative writing courses funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter has had rave reviews from attendees.

The six-week Introduction to Creative Writing course was delivered by North Tyneside author and tutor Helen Aitchison, whose novels include The Dinner Club.

She is founder of Write on the Tyne, an award-winning non-profit business that makes creative writing inclusive and accessible.

Held on Tuesday mornings in March and April at North Shields Library, the course helped people learn techniques, story-telling processes, try gentle writing exercises and discover ways to get their work published. It quickly sold out after being publicised by Write on the Tyne and North Shields Cultural Quarter.

The Cultural Quarter is part of North Tyneside Council’s ambitious plans for North Shields, enhancing and growing the creative economy.

Feedback from attendees included:

·       “Oh my goodness. This course has got me creatively writing, thinking about writing. I’ve made connections with other creatives. I could not have afforded this opportunity – so thank you!”

 ·       “I love that we have these wonderful opportunities in North Tyneside! We really are very lucky.”

 ·       “I really loved the course and it has given me the confidence to work at my dream of being a writer.”

 ·       “The amount of information you provided was great. Fantastically well facilitated.”

There are more creative writing courses to follow from Helen at North Shields Library. In May, the three-week Writing for Wellbeing course will involve gentle writing exercises and learning techniques for using creativity to support wellbeing.

In June, a three-week Routes to Publishing course will teach the options and processes needed to get poetry, short stories, non-fiction and fiction ready for publication and out into the world. Both are sold out.

Helen also has two events coming up at Age UK North Tyneside on Saville Street in North Shields. On Thursday 13 June she will offer a two-hour Getting Started in Creative Writing course, followed by a free two-hour Poetry Writing course on Tuesday 9 July. To reserve a space please email info@writeonthetyne.com.

Helen said: “The Introduction to Creative Writing was a six-week course filled with creativity, connection, and energy. Learners engaged, empowered one another, and shared moving, inspiring, and humorous pieces.

“It was a pleasure to teach local people who are motivated to get their stories and poetry out into the world. An added bonus is that they all made friends, shared what was going on locally, and even swapped numbers.

“Writing doesn't just allow us to use our imagination and voice, it also brings people together. Massive thanks to NSCQ for funding the programme of teaching and I am looking forward to the next session.'

Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor for North Tyneside and cabinet member responsible for Regeneration, Economic Development and Culture said: “North Shields Cultural Quarter’s Projects and Events Fund is making some incredible things happen.

“It’s all about growing the town’s creative economy to help regenerate the town centre.

“We’re funding a broad range of creative and artistic events and activities that help professional artists, practitioners, creative businesses and cultural organisations branch out, develop what they do, collaborate and engage the community.

“We have some world-class creative writers and authors in North Tyneside who find this an inspiring place to live and work. Giving new creative writers the skills and confidence to succeed helps make North Shields somewhere that artists of all sorts can thrive.”

 North Shields Cultural Quarter:

·       Helps the cultural and creative economy in the town to grow and gives it a sustainable future

·       Works with local artists and creative businesses to fund a programme of projects and events

·       Provides training and skills development

·       Offers bursary funding

·       Helps strengthen and support the creative community

·       Explores how culture and creativity can help drive place-based regeneration

·       Is closely tied to our Ambition for North Shields and our High Street Heritage Action Zone

·       Is one of three Cultural and Creative Zones funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, the other two in Newcastle and Berwick

·       At its centre are the newly-restored Exchange Theatre, Globe Gallery and North Tyneside Business Centre, the new home of Helix Arts.

 This project is part funded by the by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North of Tyne Combined Authority Investment Fund with the North of Tyne Combined Authority as the lead authority.

 North Shields Cultural Quarter is part of the North of Tyne Culture and Creative Zone programme.  More details can be found here.