Victoria College’s New Shaftesbury Creative Writer in Residence
Photo by Horst Herget (left to right): Shaftesbury’s Kaaren Whitney-Vernon Vic 8T7, Christina Jennings, C.M., Vic 7T4 and Scott Garvie Vic 8T0
Victoria College is excited to announce the introduction of the Shaftesbury Creative Writer in Residence made possible by the financial support of Shaftesbury, a Toronto-based, entertainment company. This first-of-its-kind position at the College will support and enhance the teaching and learning that takes place in the Creative Expression and Society program and the Norman Jewison Stream of the Vic One program.
“We are thrilled about this gift, which provides timely support to Vic’s dynamic and expanding Creative Expression and Society program,” says Angela Esterhammer Vic 8T3, principal of Victoria College. “Our aspiring creative writers will benefit greatly from this generous gift from Shaftesbury Inc., founded by Vic alumna Christina Jennings, C.M., Vic 7T4.
The Shaftesbury Creative Writer in Residence is a teaching residency scheduled to begin in September of 2021. The selection of the creative writer will be based on the candidate’s accomplishments in the field of creative writing, including national and international recognition; aptitude for and commitment to mentoring student writers; and a record of experience that shows the ability to make positive contributions to Victoria’s programs and community.
“As a Vic graduate, it’s an honour to partner with Victoria College in the University of Toronto to create the Shaftesbury Creative Writer in Residence program,” says Christina Jennings, CEO and chairman of Shaftesbury. “This program will support and enhance the thinking of a new generation of artists and writers, furthering Victoria College’s commitment to creative excellence. The Writer in Residence program will build on the Norman Jewison Stream of the Vic One program—how fitting given the incredible achievements that Norman has made as a Canadian filmmaker.”
Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film and digital. Shaftesbury’s current slate includes 14 seasons of Murdoch Mysteries for CBC and UKTV, the detective drama Frankie Drake Mysteries, the critically acclaimed horror series Slasher, police drama Hudson & Rex, and several new primetime series including Departure, Dead Still and The Sounds. Building on a library of award-winning kids’ programs, Shaftesbury also has an extensive slate of family programming including The Solutioneers, Miikshi, Stinky Science and Emerald Code.
Nominations for the Shaftesbury Creative Writer-in-Residence may be submitted here until February 22, 2021. Questions may be directed to vic.principal@utoronto.ca.