THE HOME FOR CURIOUS MINDS

It has been almost a year since the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), a popular major European event, came to Basel. In addition to jury votes from each country, this music competition also takes into account audience votes, which contributed significantly to the result last year. This gives audiences from all over Europe a special role to play. One year on, we would like to take stock in our discussion and ask what the ESC in Basel revealed about our everyday lives – and what remains of the event. Topics such as event and fan cultures, mediatisation and nationhood will be addressed and linked to the actual experiences surrounding the ESC final. The focus will be on the question of what realities and stories became visible in the context of the mega-event – on stage, in the city, in the media and in fan cultures.

This November, writers in Basel have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in an intensive weekend of creative writing led by instructors from the University of Oxford.

On November 28–29, join acclaimed writers and Oxford creative writing tutors Amal Chatterjee and Jane Draycott for two inspiring days dedicated to the craft of storytelling and poetry.

Saturday November 28 – Fiction with Amal Chatterjee
Explore the art of fiction through generative exercises, close reading, and guided discussion. Amal will help participants sharpen narrative voice, develop characters, and discover new approaches to storytelling.

Sunday November 29 – Poetry with Jane Draycott
Spend the day with celebrated poet Jane Draycott exploring poetic language, imagery, rhythm, and form. Through writing prompts and collaborative feedback, participants will deepen their poetic practice and expand their creative possibilities.

Each workshop day runs for five immersive hours :

10:00–12:00 morning session
14:00–17:00 afternoon session
Designed for both emerging and experienced writers, this weekend offers a rare chance to learn directly from two distinguished Oxford instructors in an intimate and supportive setting.

Full workshop fee : CHF 400
Early Bird price : CHF 325

Spaces are limited to ensure a focused and interactive experience.

If you are looking to reignite your creativity, refine your craft, or simply spend a weekend immersed in writing, this workshop promises inspiration, insight, and community.

Join us in Basel this November and take your writing further!