Welcome to the Toronto New School of Writing

University writing courses follow prescriptive templates set out by the institution.
What does a workshop look like when the artists get to decide?

who we are
The Toronto New School of Writing was founded by Jay MillAr and Jenny Sampirisi in 2009 and is housed in the upstart bookstore and cultural studio, “Of swallows, their deeds, and the winter below,” 283 College Street at Spadina in Toronto. Every artist who facilitates a class at TNSoW is asked to propose their ideal course to teach or to take. The result is a series of writing workshops that are unlike any you’ll find at a local college or university. The mandate of the TNSoW is to highlight the work of local writers, to attract
international writers to Toronto, and to encourage writers of all levels of interest and ability to consider their practice in new ways.

what are the workshops like?
Courses at TNSoW are designed for writers at every level of their practice. For those who don’t identify as writers at all, you’re encouraged to take a toe dip! The atmosphere is open and encouraging to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of poetry and literature. Because courses are all developed by the artists themselves, every workshop offers a unique experience. Courses range from one day writing intensive workshops, to10-week topical writing courses, to close readings of poetic movements, and even to one-on-one manuscript development. Some, like Souvankham Thammavongsa’s upcoming course, take you outside of the classroom altogether. Class sizes range from 7 to 12 participants.

who facilitates workshops?
TNSoW is attracted to intelligent, dynamic artists who are compelled to investigate the problems and the joys of writing. The school supports visiting artists from Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Recent Canadian artists who have facilitated workshops include Jay MillAr, Victor Coleman, Michael Boughn, Tony Burgess, Angela Carr, Bill Kennedy and Mark Goldstein. International artists who have not visited Toronto in recent years are now offering courses through the New School including American literary heavyweights Vanessa Place, Charles Bernstein, Cara Benson and Anselm Berrigan. Geography is no obstical for TNSoW!

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