FAQ about the Attic Atheneum
One-on-one attention to your work with a community to last a lifetime.
Q: It’s called a master writing program. Is it an MFA program?
A: The Attic Atheneum is an independent, non-accredited, non-affiliated certificate program of the Attic Institute.
Q: How many students are admitted?
A: At most, a dozen Atheneum Fellows are admitted each year, divided among poets, nonfiction writes, and fiction writers.
Q: What does it mean, Atheneum Class?
A: The writers admitted into the Atheneum constitute a community for that year of study. The aim of forming an annual “class” of fellows is to seed a literary community within the Atheneum and also, looking beyond the Atheneum year, in the greater Portland area. It's important for applicants to understand that the Atheneum includes both individual study and Atheneum meetings and salons. Required are usually just two participation events per month.
Upon completion of the certificate year, the class of Atheneum Fellows becomes the Atheneum Alumni. Both the current Atheneum class and the Atheneum alumni sometimes participate in literary activities together. During the 11-month course of study, the Atheneum Fellows will meet four times a year for the Atheneum salons and books discussion. Also, each genre team (fiction, non-fiction, poetry) will meet four times a year with their fellow genre-mates and faculty.
Q: What is the ratio of faculty to student?
A: 1 to 2. The Atheneum community includes a maximum of 18 members each year (six faculty, twelve students). Atheneum Fellows study one semester with one faculty member and then switch to study the second semester with the other faculty member. Both faculty members participate in the quarterly team meetings. All Atheneum faculty will participate in the quarterly Atheneum salons.
Q: How does the individual study work?
A: Each month, fellows submit work by e-mail to a mentor. Later that month, the two sit down or speak by phone to discuss the manuscript. Discussion areas include one-on-one attention to the specific manuscript, assigned readings, and publication leads.
Q: What are Atheneum salons?
A: The Atheneum salons include faculty, fellows, and invited guests who meet to enjoy good food and engaging conversation based on the Atheneum readings assigned to the community for that reception. There are four salons per year and they constitute the primary way that writers meet, network, and develop community.
The readings are designed to stimulate conversation about artistic ambition and experience, the imagination, culture, philosophical and political thought, scientific inquiry, history, religion, and other areas of intellectual and aesthetic interest.
Some Atheneum salons include inviting individuals to join the reception, including writers, artists, agents, publishers, editors, Atheneum alumni, or others who can contribute to the discussion and experience.
Q: What are Team Meetings?
A: Team meetings include the two faculty in each genre and the fellows in that genre. There are four meetings during the year, and the meetings run 1-2 hours.
Q: How much does it cost to apply?
A: $15.
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: We'd love to talk to you. E-mail us. If you don't hear back in 24 hours, please re-send it. We want to make sure we don't miss anything.
Q: If accepted, how much does the program cost?
A: The cost for the certificate program is $3350. For information about discounts and payment options, click here.
Q: What is the deadline for nominations?
A: We accept applications during the month of May each year. Deadline to apply: May 30.