Young writers finally have a space to call their own as 100 Story Building throws open its doors in Footscray.
The initiative aims to help disadvantaged children and young
people in Melbourne’s inner-west develop writing and reading skills and
explore their creativity in a safe and inspiring setting.
The centre is the first of its kind in Melbourne and offers free
creative-writing workshops, publishing projects and after-school
programs to children from diverse and disadvantaged communities.
Program director and co-founder Lachlann Carter said the aim of
the new centre was to be involved with real-life, authentic publishing
projects.
School groups will attend writing excursions and young people can
foster their creativity through after-school workshops with authors,
creative professionals and trained volunteers.
The initiative aims to support the existing efforts of schools,
families and communities in bolstering literacy, confidence and
belonging.
A group of primary-school pupils took a sneak-peek at the new
centre in a workshop last week with Sally Rippin and Aki Fukuoka
(pictured), the duo behind the Billie B Brown and Hey Jack books.
The pair did live drawing and shared tips with the budding young publishers on creating their own characters.
A 100 Story Building ambassador, Rippin said it was fantastic to
work with the children and Fukuoka. “I visit a lot of schools but it’s
pretty rare for [Fukuoka] and I to get to work together this way.”
She said the establishment of 100 Story Building in the heart of Footscray was an exciting step for the area.
Join in the 100 Story Building grand opening celebrations at 92
Nicholson Street from 1.30-3.30pm this Saturday, starring young writers
and special guests including Rippin, Bernard Caleo, Jackie Kerin and Oslo Davis.
