Writers based in the west now have the support of a new non-profit organisation which will be hosting a monthly series of specialised writing events tailored for westies.
West Footscray Arts is based is based out of West Footscray’s The Chestnut Tree Bookshop, and run by local writers Donita Richards and Jess Lilley.
With the help of bookshop owner Reem Sweid, both Ms Lilley and Ms Richards have created the organisation to bring together writers of the west.
“We are focusing on writers from all of the western suburbs, as members of the local community we have found the west has an amazing depth of talent,” Ms Lilley said.
“Often all of the writing events and and a lot of the focus is on the other side of town in the north.
“With the culture of the west there are different experiences and challenges which we wanted to celebrate with the writers on this side of town.”
With the help of Maribyrnong council, Ms Lilley said both her and Ms Richards are able to combine both of their skills to create the workshops.
“We are passionate members of the community and want to see more of this stuff happening,” she said.
“We want to take the professional skills we’ve gained over our time and really celebrate our local community and just have a really kick ass event.”
Ms Lilley said they have programmed the workshops with the lens of what it’s like living in the west.
“We have a conversation with a local author for her book launch, we have two amazing historians who look at the subversive, underground history of the west and a workshop with an amazing local screenwriter.”
The next event is the book launch which will be held on Saturday, March 16.
Details: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/the-chestnut-tree-bookshop-39745040313
