Short Courses

Join Michelle Elvy in this introductory writing course to build your writing confidence. This basic writing course will explore the ‘how to’ of writing, from building-block structures to meanings between the lines. Explore different writing forms that will help in your own writing, be it fiction, poetry, essay or business materials. Each week, participants will be introduced to a topic with an introductory set of discussion points, writing assignments along with recommended reading and a chance to share your writing drafts. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

This course uses the creative and expressive aspects of body movement and dance to support emotional transformation and integration. Participants will explore new movement patterns for growth and well-being through a mix of taught movement exercises, bodywork, guided improvisation and movement exploration, as well as pair and group activity. A background in dance is not required. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

Join Michelle Elvy, writer and editor and once-upon-a time historian from New Zealand for a course in writing memoir. The course will consist of discussions and exercises with a focus around building voice and creating believable story arcs around material that is drawn from memory – and the space that we need to examine between memory and reality. You will be introduced to a variety of memoir writing – from straight narrator to graphic novel to diary-like writing to creative non-fiction small story writing. You will also have the opportunity to share and talk about the stories you have written. …

Ever had a tune stuck in your head but unable to think of the lyrics? This introductory songwriting course will guide you through experimentation and different strategies of conceiving ideas as a guide to how you can produce a song. With the help of Garageband, you don’t need to play a musical instrument or understand music scores to compose. All you need is a love for music, an open mind, and a desire to create. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

What is the source of impulse and action? Can we listen to what is ready to be spoken? Authentic movement is a technique used in dance movement therapy that offers participants an experiential way of finding movement in the body. Throughout the weeks, this course will focus on building movers’ trust in their body wisdom—where movement pathways become a bridge for self-knowledge, connection and response and possibly, healing.

Explore the engaging art of urban sketching with a pen. Capture the essence of your surroundings through spontaneous linework, learn courageous mark-making techniques to bring streets, buildings and everyday scenes to life with ink and a creative eye.

Urban sketching is all about drawing on location, whether indoors or out, and capturing scenes from direct observation. Sketching outdoors can be challenging, requiring adaptation to environmental and weather conditions. This course is an introduction to the basics of urban sketching with watercolours, helping you to embrace the joy and spontaneity of creating art outdoors. Learn essential techniques, overcome challenges and experience the joy of painting on location. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

Go beyond painting what you see and inject your personality into creative and expressive digital paintings. This course will begin by covering essential digital painting skills and concepts, then lets you play, explore and practise to create pieces with a deeper connection to your own perspectives. You will learn how to use colour, brushwork and composition to convey mood and atmosphere. This course is perfect for aspiring digital artists who want to discover what lies beyond realism and expand their artistic voice and is recommended for those who have a foundational level of experience with the iPad app Procreate. Ideally …

Take your ceramics to the next level with our three-week raku exploration. This course delves into the exciting world of raku firing, creating stunning pieces with unpredictable, smoky beauty. Prior clay-building experience required. Master glazes, reduction techniques, and witness the magic of raku first-hand raku-fired treasures.

This course is designed to immerse students in the art of creating large-scale landscape charcoal drawings. Charcoal is a versatile and expressive medium that allows artists to capture the grandeur and beauty of the natural world on a substantial scale. Throughout the course, students will explore various techniques and concepts that will develop their skills in creating impressive landscape drawings with charcoal. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.