Barcelona 2009 - PGRA information
A letter to alumni From Karen and Katy:
Dear Alums,
Photo by Katy Yocom
Our experiences in Paris and London showed us that the summer residency presents very different needs from those addressed by the current PGRA model. Even so, we’re eager to include our alums in all aspects of the life of the Program. In that spirit, we are offering PGRAships (the number of PGRAs depends on our needs) for the Barcelona, July 8–20, 2009, though these positions are different from the usual PGRA model.
Our greatest need abroad is for logistical support, so the primary responsibilities of PGRAs in Barcelona will fall under that heading. “Logistical support” may entail anything from greeting students at the gate in Chicago before the group flight to Barcelona, to handling errands and providing general assistance to the MFA staff. A willing spirit, a modicum of leadership, and a sense of adventure are all helpful attributes.
Because our summer semester enrollment is significantly smaller than our spring and fall semesters, PGRAs will not assist in or attend workshops. Instead, they are invited to attend all other residency curriculum events—lectures, readings, and so on (though occasionally they may be called away to help with programmatic business during events). PGRAs will read as part of the student reading series and will get first crack at the sign-up sheets.
Compensation for PGRAs takes the form of inclusion in the following special events:
•motorcoach transportation to and from the airport
•two gala meals
•a ticket to a flamenco performance
•an “Articket” card, granting free access to seven museums or galleries and their temporary
•exhibits; Articket holders do not have to wait in ticket lines at the museums
•a walking tour exploring Barcelona’s famed Modernista architecture
•a one-day pass for Barcelona’s hop-on, hop-off Turistic Bus
•a T10 metro card good for 10 trips on the subway, train, city bus, or tram in Barcelona’s central district
Transportation, lodging, and other meals are not included. For a worksheet of costs and deadlines, see the attached document. For more information, visit the “For MFA Alumni” page on our website at spalding.edu/mfa.
If you’re interested in applying, please contact Kathleen Driskell, kdriskell@spalding.edu, by February 1.
Though these positions are a different animal than the usual PGRAships, we’re pleased we can offer them for our 2009 summer residency, and we hope to continue to offer similar positions at future residencies abroad. Our writing community continues to stretch in new directions as it matures, but our alumni remain, always, our foundation.
Hope you all are doing well and your new year is off to a good start.
Best,
Katy and Karen
Karen J Mann
Administrative Director
Master of Fine Arts in Writing
Spalding University
851 S. Fourth St.
Louisville, KY 40203
502-585-9911, ext. 2423
800-896-8941, ext. 2423
FAX: 502-585-7158