VASTO ARTS WORKSHOP
6-13 September, 2025
The Sea and The Olive Tree: A Poetry and Prose Writing Workshop in Italy with Carolyn Marie Souaid and Chris Di Raddo.
"Rooted in the Olive Tree, Inspired by the Sea – Where Creativity Flourishes.”
The Vasto Arts Workshops take place in Vasto, Italy, a seaside town by the Adriatic Sea.
Participants shall workshop with Carolyn Marie Souaid and Chris Di Raddo, two experienced teachers/prized authors from Monday to Friday, from 9 to 12, and from 4 to 7 pm.
Accommodations are from Saturday to Saturday, and will range from B&B’s, residences or hotels, depending on availability. Breakfast is included. Lunch at select local restaurants from Monday to Friday, will feature delicious local cuisine.
Meet like-minded people and be inspired throughout your stay within a safe and supportive community as you explore, experiment, connect to your authentic voice.
HOW IT WORKS
A Poetry and Prose Writing Workshop in Italy
Open to writers of all levels with an existing writing practice who want to create new work and exercise their writing muscles in poetry and prose.
Writers will be given the chance to experiment in both genres and produce spontaneous work that may lead to new creative avenues. Writing activities and prompts designed to jolt you out of your habits will allow participants to engage with and become inspired by the beautiful scenic and cultural offerings of the region during their week-long stay.
Over the five days of the workshop proper, writers will also study book passages, share and respond to each other’s work, and engage in open discussions on craft and publication. Writers will also engage with the local arts community.
Classes will be limited to 8-10 participants.
Dates: Monday to Friday
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Engage in inspiring workshops designed to explore, experiment, and connect with your authentic voice.
WHERE WE ARE
Vasto, a historic hilltop town just three hours from Rome, is an ideal location for a writing retreat.
With its breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, ancient landmarks like the Palazzo d’Avalos, and vibrant cultural offerings, Vasto serves as an endless source of inspiration.
The region is also rich in literary heritage, being the birthplace of famous writers such as Ovid, Ignazio Silone, and Gabriele D’Annunzio.
Participants will enjoy a guided tour of Vasto, using its historical sites as inspiration for their writing sessions.
YOUR WORKSHOP FACILITATORS
Open to writers of all levels with an existing writing practice who want to create new work and exercise their writing muscles in poetry and prose.
Carolyn Marie Souaid
She is the Montreal-based author of nine poetry collections and two novels, Yasmeen Haddad Loves Joanasi Maqaittik (2017) and Looking for Her (2024), both dealing with colonization and the interpersonal and structural ways in which Indigenous people in Canada experience racism.
She has performed at literary events in Canada and abroad, her work garnering a top prize at the 2012 Berlin Zebra Poetry Film Festival and appearing on shortlists for the Pat Lowther Memorial Award and the A.M. Klein Prize for Poetry.
Her literary papers (1967-2022) are housed in the Rare Books and Special Collections of the McLennan Library of McGill University.
Christopher DiRaddo
He is the author of the novels The Family Way (2021), shortlisted for the F.G Bressani Literary Prize, and The Geography of Pluto (2014).
His essays and short stories have appeared in First Person Queer: Who We Are (So Far), Here & Now: An Anthology of Queer Italian-Canadian Writing and The Globe and Mail.
He has also written for several publications, including Elle Canada, Xtra magazine, and enRoute magazine, for which he won a National Magazine Award. In 2014, he created the Violet Hour Reading Series & Book Club, which has to date provided a platform for more than 250 LGBTQ writers in Canada. He lives in Montreal.
Meet Your HOST
LUIGI MONTEFERRANTE
Originally from Montreal, Canada, Luigi Monteferrante now calls Vasto, Italy, home, where he dedicates his time to teaching, writing, and painting.
His workshop is, in part, a celebration of the centenary of Villa Monteferrante, a historic Liberty-style villa that has stood proudly overlooking the Adriatic Sea since 1925. With its elegant architecture and breathtaking views, the Villa provides an inspiring retreat for artists and writers seeking space for reflection and creative exploration.
The Villa is home to two well-equipped studios, available for short- or long-term rentals, offering a rare opportunity for independent artists and writers to immerse themselves in their work while surrounded by history, beauty, and tranquility.
THE WORKSHOP
A One-Week Creative Writing Workshop with Writers from Canada: Chris Di Raddo and Carolyn Marie Souaid from 5-12 September.
The workshop fee includes single-room accommodations for 7 nights, 5 lunches, and 1 welcome BBQ.
FEE STRUCTURE
Regular Fee:
€2025
Early Booking Fee:
€1925
Early booking deadlines: March 31, 2025
Spaces are limited to 10 participants per workshop, so we encourage early registration.
A 50% deposit via bank transfer is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance due by July 1st 2025 at the latest.
Please request the application form to help us curate the best experience for all participants.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Daily writing workshops (Monday to Friday) with distinguished facilitators
- 7 nights of single-occupancy accommodations with breakfast (from Saturday, September 6)
- 5 Lunches at local restaurants (Monday to Friday)
- 1 Welcome BBQ
- A vibrant, supportive community atmosphere
- A Guided Tour of Vasto to explore the local culture & history
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare
- Insurance
- Travel costs
- Any expenses not explicitly mentioned
How to Apply
Fill out the application form to reserve your spot. Since spaces are limited, we recommend applying as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience.
REGISTER NOW
Spaces are limited to just 10 participants, so don’t miss your chance for an unforgettable artistic adventure in Vasto, Italy.
Travel Information
Participants are responsible for booking their own flights and arranging ground transportation.
The Workshop is in Vasto, Italy is located in this charming seaside town on the Adriatic coast, just 3.5 hours east of Rome.
The nearest major airport is in Rome, from where you can take a direct bus to Vasto.
Alternatively, Pescara Airport offers budget-friendly flights from various European cities.
GETTING HERE
For travelers from North America, we recommend flying into Rome.
From Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, there are several bus services that provide direct transport to Vasto. The most convenient option is the bus to Vasto Terminal Bus—be sure to confirm your stop with the driver. The journey costs approximately €25, though prices may vary based on time and conditions. The bus transfer typically takes around 4.5 hours.
You can find bus timetables and book tickets at the following links:
GROUP TRAVEL
If you are traveling as part of a group, please inform us in advance. We will make every effort to accommodate group-specific needs and offer any additional arrangements when possible.
ACCOMODATIONS
Your stay includes 7 nights, from Saturday to Friday night, with departure on Saturday morning. Accommodation will be provided on a single-occupancy basis at a hotel, residence, or Bed and Breakfast, all conveniently located within walking distance of the workshop venues in the town center. If you wish to travel with a companion or prefer to arrive earlier or depart later, please reach out to us for additional arrangements.
MEALS
Your stay includes daily breakfast throughout the duration of your visit. Additionally, lunch will be provided from Monday to Friday at local well-regarded restaurants serving traditional regional dishes.
A welcome BBQ will be offered at Villa Monteferrante.
PAYMENTS
To secure your place at the workshop, we kindly request an advance payment of 50%.
The remaining balance must be paid by July 1st 2025 at the latest. Payments must be made via bank transfer. Details shall be provided upon request.
Join Us!
We would love to speak with you.
Feel free to reach out using the below details.