We've heard a recurring desire from writers living in Barcelona: to find somewhere to write (that's not at home), in the company of others doing the same, with a chance to socialize and swap feedback.
The Writers' Collective is Backstory's answer.
The Writers' Collective gets preferential access to The Studio, with daily dedicated space to work communally. We're keeping the group small — only 30 members at any given time — in a space that fosters good work and good vibes.
Membership
75€ / month
+ One-time sign-up fee (45€)
Every membership includes:
- Space allocated for the Collective every weekday from 8:00 to 18:00*
- Access to any other spaces that aren't booked (incl. nights and weekends)
- Weekly programming coordinated by Backstory
- Space for group programming that members can organize themselves
- Access to a kitchen (fridge, microwave, water cooler) and a shower
- Coffee and tea
- A locked communal storage area for members' things
- Five guest passes a year
- 25% discount on space rental
*On rare occasion, Friday afternoon access may end earlier, but ample notice will be given.
The logistics
- How will the space work?
Every weekday from 8:00 to 18:00, we block off an area just for the Collective: either the Living Room, the Classroom, or the Workroom and the Study together. Those rooms are the group's — and so is any other space in The Studio that isn't otherwise occupied. (That is, you can always stay past 18:00 or come during the weekend, as space permits.)
Because courses also run in The Studio, the designated room may change once a day, after lunch (e.g., Living Room in the AM, Classroom in the PM). The full schedule will be made available in advance on the Writers' Collective members page, so you can plan your week.
Work areas are communal, so the space is best suited for quiet work. Although desks are not assigned, The Studio provides members-only access to a locked trastero where personal belongings can be left.- How do I access the space?
The Studio is on the second floor of an office building at Carrer de Bailèn 3, 2-2. (There's an elevator.) Backstory staff will be on-site for some periods of the day. When they're not, members can let themselves in with a smartphone app.
- Do I have to be a writer to join?
- Nope — we don't have any requirements for how you actually spend your time. That said, two things to know:
First, the space is communal, so anything that requires lots of talking is probably not going to work well here. (As we mentioned above, members of the Collective are free to use any unoccupied rooms throughout the day — so you may find space in a quiet room, but we just can't guarantee it.)
Second, the programming we coordinate for members — craft talks, workshop sessions, socials — is built around writing and writers. This might be less interesting to someone who isn't a "writer" writer, but that's up to you.
- Is there a minimum membership requirement?
- Membership is monthly and can be cancelled anytime — just let us know in writing by the 15th of the previous month.
Spaces are limited, so cancelling means giving up your spot. If you'd rather hold onto it, you can pause for a month (once per calendar year) at 20€/month. Rejoining after a cancellation means paying the matriculation fee again.
How do I sign up?
A select number of memberships are available at any one time. Write to us to find out more.
thestudio@backstorybookshop.com