Bodies of Work Paris: A New Association for Creatives in the City of Light
Open mic nights. Writing groups. Workout buddies. Artist retreats.
All these and more are part of Paris’s newest creative association, Bodies of Work Paris (BoW). Launched this past April, BoW is a multilingual association that offers a holistic approach to creativity, focusing on physical and mental wellbeing.
I first heard about BoW last fall, six months before the association’s official launch. At the time, I was craving a group dedicated to artists and writers, specifically for critiquing my creative writing and query letters as I query my YA fantasy novel to literary agents. Although I’d been involved in a few writing groups when I was in the U.S., most of these fizzled out once I moved to Paris, largely due to the time difference.
Log gym. Photo: Bodies of Work.
When I joined BoW’s virtual writing workshop, The Write Time, I felt that I’d finally found the group I’d been looking for. This workshop welcomes all serious writers, whether just starting out or already experienced, to participate by sharing their works-in-progress and/or offering feedback on others’ works. This donation-based, monthly group is international, made up of writers from around the world, though most reside in the U.S. or Europe.
Besides offering constructive criticism and helping with accountability, The Write Time’s co-hosts are experienced writers, editors, and teachers who lead with wisdom without pressuring people to share their work. In addition, they often invite guest speakers to present their personal experiences with a variety of topics related to the writing world, such as how to self-publish a book or how to prepare a piece for submission to a literary magazine.
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As BoW’s official launch didn’t happen until April, I was active in helping prepare for launch day. Beyond participating in The Write Time, I submitted a poem for BoW’s first zine, “Corps,” which was published in conjunction with the launch, and I prepared the same poem to read during the launch party.
Now that BoW has launched, there’s a full calendar of events lined up for the summer. The association’s first open mic night happened this month, and the next is planned for July 12th with two featured speakers. In addition, some members will go on a UK tour in July to participate in spoken word events, open mic nights, and fantasy quiz games. BoW continues to promote their holistic approach to creativity through The Write Time workshop, as well as other activities:
Log Gym: A workout group which exercises outdoors and enjoys a healthy snack afterwards.
Youth Outreach: Getting involved with local schools to encourage young writers, poets, and artists, through events like student open mic nights and poetry competitions.
Language Exchange: While the language exchange is still in development, this program would provide a networking opportunity and a chance for French and English speakers to practice their non-native language through casual conversations.
Artist Retreats and Tours: Opportunities for writers, musicians, spoken word poets, performers, and other artists to come together and work on or present their art in different places around France and Europe. The next BoW tour will take place from July 19-23 in the UK.
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On a personal level, BoW has made me a better and more confident writer and performer. Other members have described BoW as a “safe space” and a place where we “share invaluable constructive feedback” and “forge our various paths to healing.” I couldn’t agree more, and I’m grateful that my dream of joining a creative association in Paris has become a reality.
More information about what BoW does, upcoming events, and how to join can be found on their website or through their online contact form, as well as on social media:
Lead photo credit : Open mic night. Photo: Bodies of Work
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By Jill Amari