Anam Cara Writer's and Artist's Retreat

Anam Cara Writer's and Artist's Retreat is a project in the village of Eyeries, County Cork, Ireland, which provides accommodation for writers and other creative workers. It was founded in 1998, and has hosted more than a thousand writers, artists, composers and choreographers since then.

History

The retreat centre is owned and directed by Sue Booth-Forbes, a teacher, writer, editor[1] Booth-Forbes, later holding several editorial positions.[2]

In November–December 1997 she searched with her daughter, and, after a hint from an academic writer friend, Claudia Harris, in December 1997[1] purchased a property in the village of Eyeries, on the West Cork part of the Beara Peninsula.[3] This was launched as the Anam Cara Writers Retreat in summer 1998.[4] The retreat name, which means "soul friend," was chosen partly to pay tribute to the works of John O'Donohue.[5]

Over the more than twenty years, over 1,000 creative guests - writers, composers, choreographers, visual artists -[6] have visited.[4] Several guests have included dedications to its director in their issued work.[7]

Facilities and operations

The retreat house comprises a set of private rooms, and a number of common spaces, with a library in addition to books in most rooms. Within the grounds are private working locations have been developed,[6] in garden settings, by a duck pond, and on a landscaped river bank. There is also a sauna, and a hot tub.[7]

Anam Cara offers two broad types of retreat: guided and self-directed. The guided workshops, usually hosted by 1-2 coaches or teachers, and occupy several weeks each year.[8] For the rest of the year, creative guests can develop their own work.[9]

Artistic competitions, events and publication

The retreat has sponsored competitions for many years, with prizes including free visits to the facility.[10][1] The location also hosts a range of events.[11]

The retreat has published a book, in aid of Pieta House, Diving into the Mystery: Studies in the Creative Process.[12]

Recognition and guests

Some who have commented on their experiences include Nessa O'Mahony, former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins,[13][14] Alex Barclay,[15] Man Booker Award finalist Jhumpa Lahiri,[3] chef Gerry Galvin, Bernard O'Donoghue, Leanne O'Sullivan,[3] Sassa Buregren, Ulf Lindström and Réaltán Ní Leannáin.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Keogh, Jackie (18 July 2016). "The creative spirits flock to Beara's Anam Cara". The Southern Star. Retrieved 23 August 2019. Retreat Anam Cara is a special place for working writers, artists and academics, ... has also been listed as one of the top five retreats in the world.
  2. ^ Booth-Forbes, Sue, ed. (1997). "(Masthead)". Exponent II. 20 (4). Arlington, Massachusetts: Exponent II, Inc.: 20.
  3. ^ a b c Eggerz, Solveig (20 October 2014). "Anam Cara, on Ireland's West Coast, a Place that Nurtures Creativity". The Writer's Guide. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  4. ^ a b O'Connell, Sandra (16 March 2013). "Steal away to write that novel". The Irish Times.
  5. ^ "(Home page)". Anam Cara Writer's & Artist's Retreat. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  6. ^ a b Mulcahy, Miriam (5 August 2017). "I want to be alone: solitary retreats for some quality me time". The Irish Times.
  7. ^ a b "A perfect place to write". The Irish Times. 12 November 2011.
  8. ^ Booth-Forbes, Sue (20 August 2009). "The Workshop Schedule for 2010 -- So Far!". Anam Cara Writer's and Artist's Retreat. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  9. ^ Booth-Forbes, Sue. "Your Own Retreat". Anam Cara Writer's and Artist's Retreat. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  10. ^ "May 13th - Win a Retreat to Anam Cara". Beara News. 13 May 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2019. Two writing competitions, poetry and short fiction
  11. ^ Booth-Forbes, Sue. "Anam Cara Events, including Through Our Eyes". Anam Cara Writer's and Artist's Retreat. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
  12. ^ Booth-Forbes, Sue. "Diving into the Mystery: Studies in the Creative Process". Anam Cara Writer's and Artist's Retreat. Retrieved 23 August 2019. In support of Pieta House Ireland...
  13. ^ Moriarty, Mimi (October–November 2001). "Billy Collins as Soul Friend". IrishAmerica.com. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  14. ^ "Dispatches from Ireland – Anam Cara: A Shelter for Artists and Writers". The Bedford Citizen. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2019.
  15. ^ "A perfect place to write". The Irish Times. 12 November 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2019. Irish crime writer Alex Barclay has spent time at the centre for each...

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