What is an environmental story?

We gave that question/answer its own page.

Do you work with poets? Filmmakers? Dancers? Artists? Or any other kind of storyteller?

Yes, but no. Currently we work with scholars who are seeking to improve their storytelling in fiction and nonfiction because that is our main area of expertise. We use audio and visual storytelling as well as poetry, cartoons, infographics, photographs, art, and other forms of storytelling in our Studios to show the breadth of the art, but we don’t have instructors (yet) to teach these forms.

What if I’m a writer?

Yay! So are we! But there are many other fellowships, conferences, and workshops focused on writers and writing; TESS Studios are for scholars only. That said, we are considering running a one or two-day Studio where our scholars can teach writers the best research practices.

What if I’m an unaffiliated scholar or my university has no money for such faculty development?

We can help you justify our value to your department or institution, just say the word. Alternatively, we can work with small groups that you gather on your own, however, the fees will be your responsibility. Or we can work with you individually.

What does it cost?

Anywhere from $1,000 and more! Really, it’s hard to classify our Studios because they all demand different things and a varying amount of participants and instructors. A three-day to five-day Studio could be between $10K-$25K, depending on what’s expected.

Together, we can come up with a budget and plan for your group to make it accessible and affordable while keeping in mind that our teachers and speakers deserve to be paid a living wage, and their hours include preparations they make before they show up at your door.

Can my organization choose speakers or instructors?

You can request instructors or speakers, but the decisions are based on our collaborators’ availability, area of expertise, in-class readings, needs of the cohort, and your budget. If you want to book one of our collaborators for a separate talk, we can help connect you or you can visit their personal websites.

Do I need a manuscript?

You will need to have an in-progress text (manuscript, essay, article, book, etc.) in the English language. TESS is not really a generative studio, so come with your ideas, but also come with words on a page. You must be proficient in English, proficient enough to keep up with lengthy discussions about literary texts.

Do I need references?

No, because 1) we want to make this accessible and painless 2) you will likely be chosen by your organization to participate. The best reference is good writing, a relevant project, and your willingness to be open-minded and generous with yourself and with your cohort.

What are your future plans?

We hope to expand our reach into every educational institution in the world! Too ambitious? We believe stories are part of the solution to planetary demise. Don’t believe us? Email Kerri Arsenault, TESS co-founder and director, if you want to discuss our global ideas or have ideas of your own.

Have another question?

Email Kerri Arsenault!

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