CIT’s activities for writers are delivered through our Northern Lights Writers Programme, with kind support from Arts Council England. The programme is a unique blend of events, workshops, mentoring and publication opportunities.

Northern Lights Writers Conference

The programme’s centrepiece is the Northern Lights Writers’ Conference which has taken place annually at Waterside since 2014, featuring a mix of keynote talks, creative and industry sessions, along with stalls and drop-in slots for writers. Our keynote speakers include AJ Kennedy, Sarah Dunnant, Louise Doughty, Will Self, Jane Rogers and Joanne Harris, along with literary agents, publishers, editors and an array of writing talent from across the UK.

Support Programme

Alongside the Northern Lights Writers’ Conference, our ongoing writers’ development programme includes support for writers through a number of strands, each led by accomplished writers, poets and script editors.

Please sign up to our newsletter and social media for updates on when the writers’ support programme will recommence.

Publishing Opportunities

CIT also provides micro-commission and publishing opportunities for writers.

LOOM MAGAZINE

Loom is our first print publication, celebrating creativity and the work of artists supported by CIT at Waterside. Combining the Visual Arts and Writing strands of our programme.

Why Loom? The word has several meanings and its choice as title reflects CIT’s work in artist development. The project supports animators, contemporary artists, theatre-makers and writers and a loom weaves different strands together to create something new. The word also means something that emerges - a key aspect of CIT’s work is support for emerging artists. Finally, the term connects with our home city and the heritage of Manchester’s textile industries during a time when the city was known as ‘Cottonopolis’.

Moving into print develops a way for artists’ work to extend beyond the life of a performance or an exhibition. It also presents an opportunity to look at and understand art, outside of the limitations of a gallery or theatre run.

Publication Design: Luca Shaw

Loom Logo: Rachel Dargavel-Leafe

Loom was edited by Luca Shaw and Richard Evans, developed with support from Arts Council England.

Origins

An online short fiction anthology, edited by David Gaffney. The collection features new work from Jane Rogers, Frances Gapper, Stephanie Pemberton, Sue Crowder, Shze Hui Tjoa, Eleanor Parsons, Peter Kalu, Benjamin Judge, Lydia Unsworth, Finn Jackson, Abi Hynes, Andrew Edgeworth, Angela Neville and Yasmin Inkersole.

(Download free here).