ARC Studio in Bellingen is a space for writing workshops, creative sessions and small retreats. ARC stands for Aspire, Reflect, Create. Sessions run in person at the studio and online, and are open to writers at any stage, people coming back to writing after a break, and complete beginners.
The studio is founded and run by AE Grantham, a writer, accredited social worker and workshop facilitator.
How sessions run
Welcoming, low pressure and accessible. No prior experience is needed and you do not need a project underway to come along. There is no critique, sharing is always optional, and the structure is predictable so nobody gets put on the spot. The space is neurodivergent friendly and built on trust, safety, choice, collaboration and empowerment.
Monthly sessions
Three sessions run on the third Saturday of each month through to November 2026.
- Permission to Write, 9.00am to 11.00am, at the studio. A communal exploration of writing prompts, creative rituals and gentle goal setting. Good for organising your thoughts and getting dedicated creative time in the diary.
- The Writing ARC, 9.00am to 11.30am, at the studio and online, donation based. A calm, structured Pomodoro session for two and a half hours of focused writing time. All genres and stages welcome.
- Crafty Queers, 2.00pm to 5.00pm. A relaxed, sober crafternoon for the LGBTIQA+ community. Bring knitting, crochet, collage, journalling or writing, or join the provided activity. No pressure to talk or share. Allies welcome with care, and donations for refreshments are appreciated.
Workshops and retreats
- The Gathering ARC, Sunday 19 April 2026, 10.00am to 3.30pm. A one day workshop on giving and receiving feedback in writing groups, built around the CARES approach: Choice, Accountability, Relationship, Empowerment and Safety. Bring 2,000 words of your current project for the afternoon session.
- Permission to Write Mini Retreat, Saturday 18 April 2026, 9.30am to 4.30pm. A one day retreat for anyone ready to move from hesitation to action. A day to identify your strengths, test new approaches and gently challenge old beliefs about your writing.
- Cozy Corner, a Bellingen based writing retreat planned for September 2026. Details to be released, enquiries welcome now.
One to one coaching
In person at the studio or online, to spark creativity and work through what is getting in the way.
Facilitators welcome
ARC Studio takes enquiries from facilitators who hold space with care, curiosity and integrity, and who see facilitation as a shared responsive practice centred on trust, choice and empowerment. Get in touch to talk about your practice and ideas.
Bookings
All bookings are made in advance through Humanitix and payment is required at the time of booking. Places for in person sessions are limited and cannot be held without payment. Cancellations more than 24 hours before an event receive a full refund or credit; within 24 hours they are non-refundable, though you can transfer your place to someone else with notice.
Sessions are reflective and educational and are not a substitute for therapy, counselling or mental health treatment.
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