Current Workshops

‘Writing in the Real World’

We’re seeking Belfast’s working-class, aspiring writers! Join us for a free creative writing workshop series across three community centres, followed by a public exhibition of your work in Cityside/Yorkgate Arts For All.

Are you interested in writing, but don’t feel like your story matters? Have you ever daydreamed about typing a bestseller, but assumed that it’s only done by posh people with loads of spare time? Or did you ever stop writing poetry because it didn’t sound like those fancy Wordsworth poems from secondary school English lessons? Whatever your writing assumption, stereotype, or prejudice, we’re here to break it. Modern writing is as open as open can be, and there’s room for everyone. We want to hear from YOU!

Whether you’ve tried or enjoyed writing before and want to build confidence – or have always been interested but never taken the first step to write – our goal is to make creative writing feel more accessible to all and amplify Belfast’s working class voices. Most of all, we want to bring communities together to explore writing and have fun.

Our workshops will look at modern story, poetry, and life writing, with focus on getting our own pens to paper using practical exercises. If you’d prefer not to submit your work to our exhibition in Arts For All, you can opt-out and just attend the classes – but those who would like to contribute are encouraged to enjoy being published!

Our three community centres will hold four workshops each, taking place once a week between 6pm and 9pm.

• Woodvale Community Centre: Thursday 6th February – Thursday 27th February

• Ardoyne Community Centre: Wednesday 5th March – Wednesday 26th March

• Shaftesbury Community and Rec Centre: Thursday 10th April – Thursday 1st May

• Exhibition Launch in Arts For All: Monday 12th May

To sign up, please send your name and preferred community centre dates to amyelkheart@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!