In spring 2006, UK author Diran Adebayo stormed Washington DC with his engaging writing and fresh perspective on modern Britain.

While resident at Georgetown University, Diran presented and discussed his writing and participated in symposiums and workshops that brought him together with local students, faculty and other contemporary artists. The general public was also able to get a taste of Diran’s prose at free readings throughout his month in Washington.  

TEACHING

At Georgetown, George Washington and Howard Universities, and the Duke Ellington School for the Arts, Diran lectured, taught, and participated in events with students. Diran spent time in classes spanning university departments, including time with Creative Writing, Ethics and Aesthetics and Global Literature and Film students.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Diran participated in numerous public events during his time in the nation’s capital, including readings at local universities and several Lannan literary seminars with global viewpoints and panelists.  Diran also found time to take part in a major academic seminar at Howard University on Black British Aesthetics Today, presenting alongside other artists and academics from the UK and the US.

Diran’s residency concluded with a dinner at the British Ambassador’s residence celebrating Georgetown University’s commitment to UK creativity. Additionally, Diran found time to attend a number of cultural events in the DC area including a performance by Britain’s Phoenix Dance Theatre.

Georgetown hosted Courttia Newland as its UK Writer-in-Residence for the spring of 2007. Learn more about Courttia, his residency, and British Council events in the Washington D.C. area in the future.


As the British Council’s UK Writer-in-Residence at Georgetown, Diran joined other contemporary British authors as part of an ongoing literature initiative at major American universities. Writers in the program spend a month in the States with American students, teaching and contributing to campus and academic life as well as the cultural life of their host city. Residencies feature extensive author outreach and meaningful impact on both students and the general public.