Summer 2006
Where I’m Calling From: A Youth Writing and Performance Project
The Asian American Writers’ Workshop is offering a new writing project for youth that focuses on capturing personal experiences in the form of creative non-fiction, stories based on real life, essays and journals. We will write of our own personal histories and stories as well as our thoughts on the world as it is. We want to hear what you struggle with, what you have accomplished, and what you deal with as youth. “Where I’m Calling From” is a way for you to pinpoint your location in life and the geography of your situation.
We will meet for ten classes in late June and early July. We will create and discuss our writing and explore different forms and elements of creative non-fiction. A closing event will feature live readings and performances, which will be recorded and broadcast through the Workshop’s website.
WICF is open to youth, grades 9 12, from all racial backgrounds in New York City and surrounding areas. All youth who participate in WICF will receive an artist stipend of $200, based on commitment, attendance and participation.
WICF takes place at The Asian American Writers’ Workshop on West 32nd Street in Manhattan, between 5th Avenue and Broadway, one block from the Empire State Building. Founded in 1991, The Asian American Writers’ Workshop is the country’s largest literary arts nonprofit dedicated to the creation, development, publication and dissemination of Asian American literature.
The sessions will take place on:
Monday – Friday, June 26 – 30, 1 pm – 5 pm each day Wednesday – Friday, July 5 – 7, 1 pm – 5 pm each day Monday – Tuesday, July 10 – 11, 1 pm – 5 pm each day Closing Event, Wednesday, July 12 at 7 pm
The project is co-directed by Edward Garcia and Bushra Rehman.
Project Co-director, Edward Garcia is a Latino spoken word poet and performer from New York City, who has taught nationally for many different organizations.
Project Co-director, Bushra Rehman is a poet, performer and writer of creative non-fiction. She is co-editor of Colonize This! Young Women of Color on Today’s Feminism. She performs and teaches nationally.
To apply, please mail, fax or e-mail application no later than Monday June 5, 2006. All applications must be received by this date. Applications accepted and admitted on a rolling basis. We will notify all applicants by mid-June.
Download the WICF application (2 pages, MS Word format.)
Please note the Playwriting Workshop with David Henry Hwang is postponed until further notice.