Anam Cara Writer's and Artist's Retreat
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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.
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.[citation needed]