Arvon Foundation

The Arvon Foundation is a charitable organisation in the United Kingdom which promotes creative writing. It is based in the Free Word Centre for literature, literacy and free expression in London. It was founded by two young poets, John Fairfax and John Moat, in 1968. The Arvon Foundation runs residential creative writing courses at centres in four locations: Devon, Shropshire, Yorkshire, and Inverness-shire. The courses provide an inspirational space and dedicated time to practice the art of writing. Previous tutors include Willy Russell, Ian McEwan, Andrew Motion, Arnold Wesker, Ted Hughes, Ali Smith, Carol Ann Duffy, aminatta Forna, Ian Rankin, Kwame Kwei Armah and Will Self. Arvon also runs residential creative writing courses for under-18s and partnership organisations. Arvon fundraises to ensure that those people who could not afford the full course fee can attend the course.