A Community Storytelling Lab
Explore the stories that shaped you—and help preserve them for generations to come.
As a companion to the Roots Run Deep art exhibit, WORK_SPACE invites you to explore your ancestry, cultural identity, resilience, and belonging through a creative storytelling lab led by Manchester Poet Laureate Nadia Sims and WORK_SPACE Manager Dr. Stacey Zackin.
Whether your story spans generations or begins with a single memory, you'll develop an original work through writing, spoken word, poetry, music, movement, or performance. No writing or public speaking experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore your story.
Participants are encouraged to attend both workshops, at least one coaching session, and the community performance (sharing your work is optional). By the end of the program, you'll have a polished creative piece, new storytelling tools, and the opportunity to submit your work for inclusion in a published community anthology celebrating stories of heritage, resilience, and belonging. Selected performances may also be recorded and shared digitally.
Program Schedule
Storytelling Workshops (Required):
Wednesday, September 30 | 5:30–8:00 PM
Wednesday, October 7 | 5:30–8:00 PM
Virtual Coaching: Two group coaching sessions will be scheduled on Zoom. You are encouraged to schedule at least one. September 30 – October 9 (Attend at least one.)
Optional Community Writing Sessions:
Saturday, October 10
- Poet-Tea: 10:00–11:30 AM
- Writer's Playground: 12:00–1:30 PM
Community Performance:
Saturday, October 10 | 3:00–4:30 PM
Participants are invited to share a 3–5 minute excerpt of their work.
Registration$50 per participant
Scholarships are available.