A year of stories, art and theatre
I’m thrilled to announce that from October 1st 2026 to October 1st 2027, I will be the writer-in-residence at Newlyn Art Gallery in Cornwall. I’m embarking on a year-long exploration of The Newlyn School and its continuing influence on the people and identity of Newlyn. This will culminate in a new play, and new research.
The Newlyn School was an artists’ colony that emerged in Newlyn in the 1880s, bringing together painters drawn to the distinctive light and landscape of West Cornwall, and to the everyday lives of its fishing and farming communities. The artists became known for their realist and naturalistic approach, often working outdoors, painting local people and places.
Key themes of the project
I want to explore the relationship between the artist, the community being represented, and the complicated power dynamic between them. There are many plays about muses and artists’ models, but far fewer (if any) about communities that have been turned into images. It will be a celebration of the art created by the Newlyn School, but at the same time it will question who gets to tell the story of a place?
I will be updating my progress, new discoveries etc on social media, so please do follow me on Instagram @SaraBodinar or Facebook @theCornishScreenwriter.
Do you want to be part of the journey?
I’m curious to find out which Newlyn School memories, family stories and personal connections have survived. Your grandmother’s story about her Newlyn School neighbour, (younger artist) could well make it into the play, but equally I’d love to know how you feel about the Newlyn of today and how it’s changed. Does it inspire you in a creative way? Or do you have an interesting detail about life in Newlyn during the early 20th century, that will add atmosphere to the piece.
I’d love to speak to anyone with relevant stories or information to share. All contributors will be credited. Please email me in the first instance to find out when I’ll next be there, or drop a note into the main desk. I will be at the gallery often, but not every week.
Actors, directors and dramaturgs in West Cornwall, please get in touch if this project is of interest. There will be an R&D around Easter 2027 (with an audience) and a performance at the end of the Summer 2027.
Creative Writing Workshops
I will be offering a number of fun and informative creative writing workshops throughout the year, at the gallery. New, emerging and established writers are all welcome. You can find details of the workshops here. (I’ll add a link)
You’ll be in safe hands. I’m currently an Honorary Fellow in the Drama Department at the University of Nottingham (lecturing on writing scripts and prose) and I also lead the weekly Writers Room workshops at the award-winning Nottingham Playhouse Theatre. I was also lucky enough to give a workshop at the marvellous Penzance Litfest this year.
If you’d like to be kept informed of any additional workshops that I may be adding to the schedule, or you’d like to find out about any West Cornwall revelations that come up, please subscribe to my monthly newsletter.
Why me?
As a distant cousin of Gertrude Harvey (née Bodinnar), a Newlyn School artist, and the wife of Newlyn School artist, Harold Harvey, I have always been fascinated by the body of work produced by this group of painters.
I remember being taken on an Alverton Primary School class trip to see the Elizabeth Forbes painting ‘School is out’ and having the impossible shadow of the covered window pointed out to me. It felt like I was discovering a delicious secret! I was hooked. On stories. And on art. (I am indebted to St Ives artist John Piper, my art teacher at Mounts Bay, who was hugely encouraging, and Martin Val Baker, who took a leap of faith and exhibited my first paintings in his gallery in Penzance)
In addition, I grew up in Newlyn and Penzance, my family are from here, and for the past 15 years, I have been working as a professional screenwriter and playwright
Why now?
A significant collection of Newlyn School art will be touring the UK over the next 2 years. It’s having a moment! I’m very excited to be involved. Come and be part of the story by following the project on social media, subscribing to the newsletter and sharing your own stories of Newlyn.
Inspired writing for films, plays, novels & business 