John Hudson has been working as a freelance writer since 1980; he is extra mural lecturer in English for the University of Glasgow and has wide ranging experience of delivering workshops, creative writing courses and creative residencies in Britain and Europe. He is Director of Literature for the Bakehouse, in Dumfrieshire where he lives and the editor of Markings, a high quality literary magazine. He is also the author of several volumes of poetry, including Garden of Love (2009) WiderEye; and The Pumpkin Lantern (2008) Markings.

John will run two sets of workshops. The first, a series of four sessions, will focus on different aspects of creative writing: from developing ideas to creative detachment and editing. The second will run on Saturday 7th and Saturday 14th of November and will look at publishing – in particular internet publishing. The sessions will allow participants to develop the skills and the knowledge needed to make the most of modern publishing opportunities, particularly relevant to Shetlanders given their distance from markets and publishing companies. John will also be offer one-to-one sessions with local writers.

The residency is run by Shetland Arts and supported by funding from the Scottish Arts Council.  Literature Development Officer, Donald Anderson said, “ John Hudson is an immensely enthusiastic and highly motivational writing tutor, with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We are delighted that he has agreed to take up this residency and we hope that writers in Shetland of every level of experience will benefit from his input.”

In order to book a one-to-one session with John, phone Donald Anderson or Emily Sharp on 01595 743 843. For further information and to book a place on the workshops phone Shetland Box Office on 01595 745 555.

Shetland Arts are providing three local artists with the opportunity to make new work at the Booth in Scalloway.

Jo Jack, Ana Horne and Vaila Cumming are all Shetland artists who create artwork based on  the unique environment of these islands.

Throughout the month of May, the three artists are spending time working from this inspiring waterfront venue. Working in their own choice of medium, they will use their time at the Booth to both reflect on and to develop their own artistic practice by visually responding to their environment.

They will be creating artworks which will vary from textile pieces inspired by the sea and its microscopic creatures to woven artworks based on photographs and drawings of Scalloway to sculptures of seal heads cast from bronze.

‘By providing this space and time away from my daily life, Shetland Arts has enabled me to  create work I would not otherwise have been able to make. There is something about coming into the space at the Booth that clears your head and inspires you to make work.’  Said Jo Jack, artist.

All three artists are graduates of Shetland College and see this residency opportunity offered by Shetland Arts as development of their professional practice.

There will be a chance to view the work created by the three artists at the end of the residency. Please contact Shetland Arts for more details.

For more information on the above residency, please contact:
Clair Aldington or Hazel Hughson at Shetland Arts on 01595 743843 or info@shetlandarts.org