Inspired Word Café collective offers meetings for editing and discussion
What: Writing Workshops
When: Feb 8, 24; March 7, 23; April 4, 20
Venue: Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, Okanagan Regional Library (Rutland and Mission Branches)
In addition to running the open mic series, which offers a space for writers to share their poetry, writing, music, and more, Inspired Word Café (IWC) collective members also run writing workshops for anyone to share their work and receive in-person and direct feedback.
“Attendees are asked to bring 10 printed copies of a piece of writing, not to exceed two pages, to be reviewed by an inclusive and positive group of fellow writers,” explains IWC collective member and workshop facilitator, Ryan Ennis.
“Our collective members are practicing writers, poets, and artists, and we know that receiving feedback and advice on what you are working on is so important to the writing process. These workshops are meant to help people to develop work, as well as deepen their relationships with writers in the community,” Ryan says.
IWC is a collective run organization. Our collective is a group of practicing artists, either amateur or professional, who believe in the value of literary and performing arts in the Okanagan. Together, the collective guides the programming of the organization, as well as hosting events, leading workshops, and furthering their personal artistic practice within a defined community. Anyone is welcome to join the collective. Offering workshops helps community members connect to the collective, and maybe even join and extend their art practice into new domains.
Any genre of writing is welcome at the workshops: poetry, rap, fiction, speech, song lyrics, etc. People who come do not need to be experienced in editing or writing. Ryan adds, “Each writer will have the chance to share their work, hear a robust discussion of how the work is succeeding or needs more development, and share their own impressions of others’ work.”
Workshops are run twice a month. On Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, or on Saturday afternoons from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at different branches of the Okanagan Regional Library. Visit www.inspiredwordcafe.com/events for location details. Each workshop has 9-10 spots available, and are first come, first served. These events are free, open to all ages, and drop-in.
To find out more about IWC, visit www.inspiredwordcafe.com
IWC programming is made possible by the City of Kelowna, the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBC Okanagan, the Alternator Center for Contemporary Art, and BNA Brewing Co.
Media Contact: Britt MacKenzie-Dale, britt@inspiredwordcafe.com
Photo caption: Community members enjoy sharing their work during IWC’s free writing workshop at The Alternator.
Photo caption: Community members discuss their work during IWC’s free writing workshop at The Alternator.
About IWC
Inspired Word Café Society (IWC) is a community arts-organization that provides accessible, low-cost literary and performance art programming (including events, education, and mentorship) for local writers, performers, and word lovers from many walks of life, including youth and other equity deserving groups across the Okanagan.
We believe that participation in the literary and performing arts is not only a right for everyone, both as consumers and to creators, but is also a vital part of the creative and emotional well-being of our local community.