Want to know more about poetry, writing careers, get feedback and more? Sign up for a one-to-one with Jess Murrain, Creative Future’s 2026 Writer in Residence at Bethlem Gallery.
In these free solo sessions, you can get advice on:
- Exploring poetic forms, including ‘film-poetry’/ moving image poetry
- Get feedback on 1-2 of your poems
- How to enter writing competitions, get an agent and get your work published
- Funding for your writing and how to sustain a career
- Working across mediums & interdisciplinary approaches
- Support for the neurodivergent writer, including ideas on alternative approaches to writing processes
- Tips and advice on trauma informed practice and artist wellbeing (self-care and access; for example, how to begin writing an access rider)
Places are limited, so book your slot now!
Presented in partnership and hosted by Bethlem Gallery. Established in 1997, the gallery provides a professional space for high-quality artwork and fosters a supportive artist-focused environment. Bethlem Gallery’s vision is an equitable society where art and mental health are a valued part of every day, and works with artists to lead change in health and society.
About the tutor
Jess Murrain (she/they) is a queer, interdisciplinary creative of British-Caribbean heritage, working in live art, theatre, film and poetry. She is also the co-founder/Artistic Director of Art Wife, an experimental live art company, whose latest project, NEUROQUEER, was commissioned by Bradford 2025 City of Culture. She is the winner of the Ledbury Poetry Prize, Out-Spoken Prize in Poetry and Film, and a Creative Future Writers’ Award. Her poetry and essays have appeared in bath magg, Callaloo, Magma and The Poetry Review. She is an alumnus of Southbank New Poets Collective, and her poetry pamphlet One Woman-Horse Show is published with Bad Betty Press.
Who is it for?
Anyone interested in writing, poetry, and writing careers—whether just starting out or experienced.
Creative Future supports all underrepresented writers: those who face barriers to opportunities due to mental health challenges, physical health/disability, sensory impairment, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, substance misuse, carers, survivors, working class backgrounds, those from the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of Black, Asian, Traveller, mixed heritage or other global majority backgrounds.
Dates & Time:
Thursdays 11 and 25 June
Six individual slots are on offer on each day (please do not sign up for more than one):
Slot 1: 10am – 10.40am
Slot 2: 11am – 11.40am
Slot 3: 12pm – 12.40pm
Slot 4: 1pm – 1.40pm
Slot 5: 2pm – 2.40pm
Slot 6: 3pm – 3.40pm
Access:
You can see our full access commitments here. Please add any additional requirements when booking.
Please get in touch if you have particular needs we can try and accommodate on info@creativefuture.org.uk or 01273 234 780 (Tuesdays only or voicemail). This can include:
- disabled access
- help with travel costs
- help with childcare costs
You can also contact the Gallery directly at info@bethlemgallery.com or 0203 228 4101
Cost:
Free
Other workshops
We are offering as many workshops and as many places as our resources allow—they are heavily subsidised by our limited funding.
You might also want to have a look at other workshops on offer elsewhere.
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