There is normally also a mid-week reading by another invited, established writer. An Arvon course aims to develop a warm, informal and friendly atmosphere. Students and tutors treat the centre as their home, making their own breakfasts and lunches and sharing the cooking of evening meals. The courses receive generous financial support from the Arts Council of England, the Scottish Arts Council and many of the ten Regional Arts Boards. It is the Arvon Foundation s firmly held conviction that its courses should be open to anyone with an interest in writing, regardless of their means.
Grants are therefore available for people unable to afford the full fee.
These grants and bursaries come from a wide range of contributors, as well as from the Arvon Foundation's own Bursary Endowment Fund. See under Course fees and grants . In order to gain the maximum possible benefit from the course they are attending, students are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves beforehand with the work of the tutors and guest reader.