Writing the City | Summer 2025

A two-week intensive workshop focused on exploring the city through creative non-fiction writing. Through reading, discussion, and various writing exercises, participants will examine neighborhoods (“paara”) and urban communities while developing their skills in conceptualization, style, and argument.

Faculty: Parsa Sanjana Sajid (writer, editor and researcher)

Goals and Objectives

The workshop aims to help participants explore the multiple constituents and constitutive factors of the city, with a focus on neighborhoods or “paara” as a central theme. Participants will develop their skills in both the craft and concept of writing – learning how to approach urban topics effectively and render them in compelling prose. Through a combination of reading, discussion, and practical writing exercises, participants will gain tools for narrating the city while improving their writing abilities.

Activities will include critical engagement with assigned texts, experimental writing, pair writing, short and long-form writing exercises, group discussions, and feedback sessions. Participants will have opportunities to present their work, provide feedback to others, and potentially develop a final project under faculty guidance.

Important Information

1. Date: June 16 – July 3, 2025
   Workshop meetings: 2-3 sessions per week
   Total number of classes: 6 sessions
2. Venue: Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements, House No. 14, Road No. 71, Gulshan 2, Dhaka
3. Workshop Fee:
   Regular participants: 6,000 BDT
   Students: 4,000 BDT (Valid student ID required)
4. Important Dates:
   Application starts: April 24, 2025
   Application Deadline: May 25, 2025
   Selection Announcement: May 27, 2025
   Payment Deadline: June 5, 2025
5. Application Requirements:

• Open to all backgrounds, regardless of educational or professional experience
• Women, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities, as well as individuals from other diverse backgrounds, are particularly encouraged to apply
• Participants should be comfortable discussing and presenting their work with others
• This is not a “Writing 101” workshop, but covers conceptualization, style, and argument built around specific themes

Payment Information
Selected participants must complete their payment by June 5, 2025.
Payment Link: bengal.portwallet.com/subscription/

How to Apply
To apply for the workshop, please fill out the application form:
https://forms.gle/efWcLH8ZA2dXTMo58

For any queries, please contact:
[email protected]