Design Talks Institute (d.talks) is launching the 2019 edition of Write On, a writing workshop for professional and aspiring writers in Alberta, as well as those with backgrounds in film, digital media, theatre, public art, planning, urbanism, anthropology, and geography. Participants of this program will explore a contemporary means of expressing urban form. It’s about words; and about explorative, provocative thinking.  

This program is comprised by three workshops and two critical sessions with professional writers, as well as one-on-one mentorships in order to develop a critical essay. Write On offers opportunities to network with peer critical thinkers and to learn how to situate writing within the publishing industry. Write On is organized by d.talks and made possible with the support of the Rozsa Foundation. 

Launching this summer, the workshops will be led by art critic, journalist and independent curator, Nancy Tousley; critical urban planning and environmental science scholar, Julian Agyeman; and architectural historian and writer, Despina Stratigakos. Mentors include Canadian Architect’s editor, Elsa Lam; architecture critic and author, Alexandra Lange; Professor of Architecture at the School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape at the University of Calgary, Graham Livesey; and architect and historian Susanne Schindler. 

The call for applications is now open and can be found on dtalks.org/writeon2019.  The deadline to apply is Sunday, June 30, at 11 p.m. MDT. 

On Monday, June 17th we will be celebrating international planning and urban design expert Larry Beasley’s new book Vancouverism. Join us for the launch and presentation at IBI Group’s Innovation Lounge–doors open at 5:30 pm. Food and beverages will be served.

Catherine Warren, chief executive officer, Vancouver Economic Commission, will host Larry Beasley’s presentation at 6:00 pm in the Erickson/Oberlander Room.

Vancouverism is the remarkable story, told by a key insider, about our city’s dramatic transformation from a typical mid-sized North American city into an inspiring world-class metropolis celebrated for its liveability, sustainability, and vibrancy. We look forward to seeing you.

Kind regards,

UBC Press