University of Alberta

In 2011-12 the Writer-in-Residence Program at the University of Alberta enters its 36th year of existence and is the longest lasting program of its kind in Canada. The program has a well-established reputation for promoting writers of national stature and has as its primary emphasis outreach to anyone who can benefit from consultations with an important Canadian writer.

In addition to mentoring and consultative activities, the Writer-in-Residence enriches the local arts scene by his or her presence, and is able to take back to the region of origin information and understanding of Alberta culture. In the past, Writers-in-Residence have given aspiring Alberta writers a chance to be published all over the country, and have also facilitated contacts between Alberta writers and centres elsewhere in the country. 

Activities of the Writer-in-Residence

The Writer-in-Residence is a member of the university community from September 1 to May 31 and is involved in a number of activities:

  • pursues his or her own writing projects
  • keeps office hours two half-days a week for consultation with members of the community (including urban and rural areas outside of Edmonton) and the University
  • appears at schools, libraries, writers' organizations, and other institutions in Northern Alberta, to speak on the subject of writing    
  • gives two readings at the University, and more readings in response to requests from the community (such as Grant MacEwan College and local bookstores)
  • visits classes in creative writing and Canadian literature, but does not augment department teaching staff

If you'd like to know more about the Writer-in-Residence Program, contact:

Professor Christine Wiesenthal
Writer-in-Residence/Readings Committee Chair
Department of English and Film Studies
University of Alberta
3-5 Humanities Centre
Edmonton, AB T6G 2E5
christine.wiesenthal@ualberta.ca

To contact the current Writer-in-Residence, please telephone for an appointment: 780-492-7811.

Funding for the Writer-in-Residence Program

The existence of the program has depended on grants and donations from the public, including a very generous gift made in 1995 on behalf of Sandy and Kay Pearson.   In recognition of this major gift, the Writer-in-Residence is the recipient each year of the Sandy and Kay Pearson Distinguished Writing Award. 

Sandy and Kay Pearson were strong supporters of the University of Alberta. They shared a love of literature and were firm believers in the value of a liberal arts education, which inspired two of their children to become writers. They were thoughtful, kind and generous people.

Sandy was a prominent Edmonton businessman and gave his time to many volunteer efforts including the Winspear Centre, Salvation Army, the Terry Fox Youth Centre in Ottawa and the Faculty of Business. He was recognized with the Order of Canada and an honourary degree from the University. Kay was very involved with these efforts and was also an active volunteer. She supported the University community through the establishment of a fund to assist students with disabilities.

This gift was made as a fitting tribute to them by their three children, Kit, Ron and Ian, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary in 1995.

The Program also benefits from continuing annual support from the Canada Council for the Arts and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, as well as other pledges from members of the Edmonton community.

Thoughts about the Program

The one-on-one contact with promising and eager writers and the unpressured time to read and comment on their work was a treat after years of the stress and deadlines of teaching large creative writing classes. I have never held a position, before or since, where I have felt as satisfied with all aspects of my work. 
    Leona Gom, Writer-in-Residence 1987-88

Meeting with the writer-in-residence was an extremely enriching experience. I had the good fortune to meet with Don McKay while working towards an Honors English degree. He made wonderful, inspiring comments that gave me confidence in my work and he also kindly offered many insightful critical remarks. Many of these comments still resonate. Most importantly, I felt at the time as though it was one writer conversing with another writer and this really meant quite a lot. 
    Shawna Lemay 
    author of Red Velvet Forest, Calm Things, Blue Feast, Against Paradise and All the God-Sized Fruit

The Writer in Residence Program is invaluable. I am the successful writer I am today, in part, because I was fortunate to be able to benefit from the care and direction of the established writers this program attracts. 
    Kimmy Beach 
    author of in Cars, fake Paul, Nice Day for Murder and Alarum Within.