Each year, Victoria College appoints an exceptional writer as the Shaftesbury Creative Writer-in-Residence. This role supports the teaching and learning that takes place in the Creativity and Society program and the Norman Jewison Stream of the Vic One program, and helps to foster creative citizenship among the Victoria College community.
The Shaftesbury Creative Writer-in-Residence is sponsored by Shaftesbury Inc., a Toronto-based entertainment company founded by Vic alumna Christina Jennings, C.M. (VIC 7T4).
Leila Aboulela
Shaftesbury Creative Writer-in-Residence 2024-25
Photo by Rania Rustom
Acclaimed author Leila Aboulela has been named the Shaftesbury Creative Writer-in-Residence at Victoria College for 2024–2025. Born in Egypt and raised in Sudan, Ms. Aboulela earned a BA from the University of Khartoum and an MSc and an MPhil from the London School of Economics before turning to fiction. She makes her home in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Her first novel, The Translator, was published in 2006 and named a New York Times Notable Book that year. She has published five other novels, including River Spirit (2023) and Lyrics Alley (2010, Fiction Winner of the Scottish Book Awards), as well as two short story collections and numerous radio plays. Ms. Aboulela was awarded the first Caine Prize for African Writing, three long-listings for the Orange Prize (now the Women’s Prize for Fiction), and the Saltire Fiction Book of the Year. In 2023, she was elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Ms. Aboulela is only the fourth person to hold the prestigious Shaftesbury Creative Writer-in-Residence role, previously held by Canisia Lubrin in 2021–22, Liz Howard in 2022–23, and Rawi Hage in 2023–24. The role is supported by a generous gift from Shaftesbury Inc., a Toronto-based entertainment company founded by Vic alumna Christina Jennings, C.M.
“In light of Norman Jewison’s recent passing, it’s especially meaningful for me to see yet another appointee named to an initiative that builds on the Norman Jewison stream of the Vic One program,” says Ms. Jennings, chairman and president of Shaftesbury. “Leila Aboulela represents a new generation of artists and writers, furthering Victoria College’s commitment to creative excellence. Congratulations, Leila.”
Ms. Aboulela will bring her extensive experience to support the Creativity and Society program and Vic One’s Norman Jewison stream, and to help foster creative citizenship among the Vic U community. She will offer a seminar in Winter 2025 on Writing for Radio, and participate in events and student mentoring throughout the academic year.