Boston / Massachusetts / United States
Our mission is to support creative writers at all stages of their development so that they can achieve their goals of publication, social and professional networking, gainful employment in the field, and/or personal enrichment. We accomplish this by providing university-level instruction via multi-week courses, seminars and conferences ; bringing the transformative power of creative writing to underserved populations -- specifically teens and seniors -- via innovative programs and community events ; financially supporting and offering unique professional development opportunities to creative writing instructors, seminar leaders and administrative staff ; elevating the literary profile of the city of Boston to increase its relevance among major publishing houses and prominent authors in all genres ; and maintaining a vibrant, inspiring and accessible space where writers can find professional resources and connect with each other in a spirit of mutual support. Grub Street builds on Bostons proud literary tradition by making the city more welcoming for writers, and more inspiring and culturally alive for all of us. Grub Street was founded in 1997 by Eve Bridburg, who envisioned an arts center that welcomed writers of all genres and ambitions, and which cultivated a rigorous but supportive atmosphere that never involved tears or humiliation. Writing is about inspiration, but is also about craft, hard work, and who you know. Grub Street aims to help with all aspects of the literary life, from experimenting with a different genre to marketing a finished work. We believe that writers at all levels hunger for critical feedback that is honest but not damaging, and encouragement that is constructive and not hand-holding. Grub Street also offers the chance to be part of a community. You can read your latest work at our Season Showcase, a quarterly reading and party. Meet editors and agents at our annual Muse and the Marketplace conference. Find a writers group among workshop and seminar classmates. Hear high-energy readings and even do some dancing at our "Grub Gone..." Friday night parties. Or drop by on a Saturday morning for coffee and free-wheeling discussions on topics of interest to readers and writers. We believe that teaching and practicing the art of creative writing is not only important because it explores and documents the human condition, but because it creates meaning in our lives. We write and read for various reasons to understand, to see through and beyond, to experiment, to imagine, to escape but our main concern is that the work is the best it can be.
