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What Has Debra Leigh Been Up To?

....an “artivist and edu-preneur”, a professional writer, playwright, singer, film-maker, educator, dramaturg, editor, publisher, arts administrator, public speaker and activist, often all at the same time. 

In addition to her own creative work, Debra Leigh is passionate about working with other artists.  She founded Hidden River Arts way back in 1995, and has grown the organization so that it now includes gallery events, an independent small press, yearly writing competitions, outreach and educational activities.  Wanting to be a "creative catalyst" for other artists, Debra is dedicated to helping other creative people to grow and develop. In addition to Hidden River's activities, Debra also works individually with fellow writers, with manuscript consultation, all levels of editing, and developmental support at all stages, from concept through to publication and on to promotion.  It's all about creative growth and discovery.  

One of her recent projects is a documentary film and companion book, both called 'Junct: The Trashing of Higher Ed. in America, which addresses the corporate colonization of academic culture in the U.S. - and now increasingly happening around the world.  She continues with her fiction and dramatic writing; there are always many projects in development at the same time. 

As if that isn't enough, Debra Leigh also provides an expansive list of communication, writing and editing services for a select group of clients in various business sectors, with her company, DLS Communications

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Appearances and Activities
 
The year 2020 was an important one for Hidden River.  It was our 25th anniversary, since our organization was founded in 1995.  It was also the 10th anniversary of our independent small press, Hidden River Publishing, which we launched in 2010.  Unfortunately, with the pandemic shut-downs all of the celebrations we had hoped to host never happened.  We'll have to look forward to 2025 for the 30th anniversary.
Following our blog at Hidden River Arts provides the most updated information on our activities there.  I oversee the entire process, from manuscript evaluations, to award decisions, through to the publication process.  That means life is always plenty busy.  
In addition to the Hidden River Arts activities, my summer activities will be: continuing to working on my own creative projects, which include the documentary film, 'Junct: The Trashing of Higher Ed. in America and a new collection of short stories, Crossing the Line.  
My traveling stopped for nearly three years during COVID.  Before the shutdowns, I traveled to Spain and Portugal, further expanding my exploration of the arts communities and the culture of Europe.  I've now been to Italy, to the UK, to France, to Croatia, to Bosnia Herzegovina, to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Spain and Portugal.  I am hoping to resume work now that the pandemic has died down, to weave that network of artists and begin work on opportunities for arts collaborations and activities between Hidden River and European artists.  I've resumed some travel, going to D.C., NYC, and Nashville so far in 2023. Plans are taking shape for a 2-week stay in Italy in November and December as well.  We'll be in Verona and Rome....and possibly Bologna.
Back home in Philadelphia, this time will be spent, between now and the end of 2023, in completing the several large projects in process, in launching several new titles in our publishing catalogue, and in making plans for 2024. But as ever, I am available for readings, for speaking engagements, for class and school visits, for screenings.  All you have to do is email me at debraleighscott@gmail.com and we can talk details and dates!