What is ACC?

The Aggie Creative Collective, supported by the University Writing Center, Department of English, Department of Visualization, and LAUNCH, is a new and expanding summer program that links creative arts, undergraduate scholarly research, and performance.

Undergraduate students, under the guidance of TAMU creative writing and visualization faculty, will spend five weeks (one summer session) developing a research question tied to a long-term creative project of their choice. Potential creative projects include but are not limited to the following options: novel or graphic novel, creative non-fiction, interactive experiences, short prose or poetry collection, short animation or film, screenplay, staged play, traditional studio arts, web comics, and VR. Admitted students are awarded a $500 scholarship.

By the end of the summer, participants will have developed a project that could become a submission for a capstone program, a creative publication, or a proposal for a creative thesis in LAUNCH's Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URS). ACC participants are strongly encouraged to apply to URS, which takes place after ACC. If accepted to URS, they will work with a faculty advisor to develop their undergraduate creative thesis project during the fall and spring semesters, adhering to LAUNCH's creative works thesis template.

During the five-week collective meetings, participants will refine a sample of their creative work. In workshops and through individual conferences, they will learn about creative research, develop their creative projects, and refine their performance skills. The Aggie Creative Collective will culminate in a short performative presentation of their creative works in progress.

This research-based creative experience is a great way for undergraduates to develop as professionals and academics. Former students have used ACC and LAUNCH's URS to market themselves as multi-skilled, collaborative, writing-proficient graduates with the ability to meet deadlines and finish a long-term project. Creative scholars in particular can leverage this experience for work in higher education, publishing, and communications, as well as in traditional creative endeavors. Looks great on an MFA application!

Apply by midnight on Monday, March 18, with the form on the link below.

Objectives

• To learn and engage in scholarly creative research methodologies
• To deepen understanding of craft skills in art, poetry, prose, graphic novels, screenwriting, interactive experiences, visual works or playwriting and further sculpt a creative sample piece for performance or other appropriate public presentations
• To work with established faculty members and visiting writers in a small-group environment and through individual consultations to strengthen creative skills and projects
• To develop a plan to move their creative project forward as a proposal for the creative thesis URS option, for publication in the Eckleburg Project or Explorations, or another long-term outcome

Interested in Applying?

You can apply with the form on the link below. Still not sure or want to know more? The UWC is hosting an ACC informational!

Join us on Wednesday, February 28, at 4:00 pm in Evans room 202A. You will

• learn how to craft a compelling application from a member of the review committee,
• hear first-hand accounts of the summer experience from past participants, and
• get the chance to ask questions about ACC and/or creative theses written through URS.

We'll have light snacks, hot tea, and good vibes, so come on by!

Apply for the Aggie Creative Collective