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).
Karen Solie
Shaftesbury Creative Writer-in-Residence 2025-26
We are delighted to announce that Karen Solie has been appointed the Shaftesbury Creative Writer-in-Residence at Victoria College for 2025-2026.
Karen Solie is one of Canada’s best and most celebrated poets. Born in Moose Jaw, Solie grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan. She is the author of six collections of poetry, including The Caiplie Caves, which was shortlisted for the Derek Walcott Prize and the T.S. Eliot Prize; and Pigeon, which won the Griffin Prize for Poetry. Solie has been honoured with a Latner Prize and, recently, a Fellowship from the Guggenheim Foundation. She is also a beloved teacher, having served a number of times as faculty for the Banff Centre, teaching regularly at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and acting as a mentor for countless poets across the country, including Master’s students at the University of Toronto program in Creative Writing.
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 Minor, and the Norman Jewison Stream of the Vic One program, and helps foster creative citizenship among the Victoria College community. Ms. Solie will offer a seminar in the Winter 2026 term, and will participate in events and student mentoring throughout the academic year.
The Shaftesbury Creative Writer-in-Residence is supported by Shaftesbury Inc., a Toronto-based entertainment company founded by Vic alumna, Christina Jennings, C.M.