Central Coast Writes
Community Storytelling 2023
Central Coast Writes is a community storytelling project that develops true stories from older residents and connects them with emerging artists to illustrate.
The project brings people of different ages together to collaborate, have deeper conversations and build creative skills across art forms.
“Attending the Bravewords workshops was the best decision I've ever made since starting my writing journey years ago. It has furthered my short writing skills, helped me gain confidence and allowed me to meet other writers on a similar path.” — Kisani
Story Gathering
Bravewords Writing Workshops with Adrienne Ferreira
In March, 50 people gathered across 3 library branches — Woy Woy, Erina & Tuggerah— for an Introduction to Life Writing workshop. They were then invited to join a writing group and guided to develop a true story for publication.
Participants enjoyed the company of other writers as they learned literary techniques and built writing confidence in a supportive space.
An anthology of 35 short stories was produced and illustrated by local emerging artists. Read the 2023 Anthology here.
Illustrating & Collaborating
Workshops with Jo Francis
Following the writing program, emerging artists were invited to bring their interpretation to the stories written for the anthology. Jo Francis ran painting and drawing illustration workshops at Treehouse Art Studio.
35 young people and adults explored how to apply creative techniques to visual storytelling. They read the stories, found key elements and used their design skills to create a meaningful picture of a moment in someone’s life.
“I just want to say how much I am enjoying writing with you and your feedback is so good and important.” — Nina
Presenting the Work
Erina Centre Gallery
The Central Coast Writes exhibition launched on the evening of 10th August at the Erina Centre Gallery. With live readings by Katherine Pratt and Noel Peters, writers and illustrators gathered to celebrate their creative collaboration and to view the showcase.
One of the most delightful aspects of the project is when writers and illustrators have the chance to meet each other and connect.
The exhibition ran from 10-24 August.
Project Details
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Central Coast Writes offered a free introductory life writing workshop held across 3 library branches: Tuggerah, Erina and Woy Woy. Presented by Adrienne Ferreira from Bravewords, this half-day workshop explored creative nonfiction and participants practice how to write personal narratives with fun prompts and exercises. Writers were guided to reflect on their experiences, share ideas and learn storytelling techniques.
In the weeks following, participants were invited to break into smaller writing groups and were guided by Adrienne to develop a story for publication. During these sessions, writers learnt how to apply supportive critiquing, editing, and redrafting to their work. They saw how a writers group is run and were empowered to lead their own groups beyond the project.
The writing program was designed to foster a stronger writing community on the Coast by providing a supportive atmosphere for local people to gather, build writing confidence and develop their stories with the support of others.
Writing workshops were run in March and April 2023 and were free of charge.
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A program of free illustration workshops was held for emerging artists to design an artwork for each story.
In these workshops, art students were taught how to use their gifts to listen, interpret and create meaningful pictures of a moment in someone’s life. Presented by Jo Francis from Treehouse Art Studios, these practical workshops demonstrated how to apply different materials and creative techniques to an illustration. Participants honed their design skills and experienced what it’s like to be part of the timeless tradition of sharing stories from one generation to the next.
Illustration workshops were run in May 2023 and were free of charge.
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On 10 August 2023, Bravewords published an online anthology of all the illustrated stories created during the project.
The Erina Centre Gallery will host an exhibition from 10-24 August. The launch will celebrate the creative collaboration between writers and artists, and showcase the true stories produced.
In September, a selection of stories will be displayed at other library branches with information about the project.
“Thank you so much, it has, as always, been a rewarding and wonderful experience.” — Therese
Central Coast Writes is proudly supported by:
