Diversity Challenges (Armagh), in collaboration with Éist (US) and Octavia’s Brood (US), has organised an exciting series of participatory workshops and events in Belfast during the week 11-16th February, based on connecting the lessons of visionary fiction to communities in transition from conflict. The project is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund.
Inspired by the work of Octavia Butler, the workshops will be facilitated by the editors of Octavia’s Brood, a recently published anthology of visionary fiction based on the idea that those working to change the world are, by definition, sci-fi/speculative fiction thinkers. In other words, all organising is science fiction: if we want to work towards a better world we must first imagine what we want our future to look like.
Octavia’s Brood writer, Adrienne Maree Brown, explains the desire to work across communities and embrace different narratives:
“We don't seek a world where everyone is the same...Instead we invite writers and artists to show us visions of a world where difference in values and priorities creates a multiverse of beautiful existence.”
There will be two public workshops on Saturday 16th February but throughout the week 11th-15th workshops will be conducted with a range of local groups, including a women only group, a youth group, and other organisations who work specifically around issues of dealing with the past.
There is a limited number of workshops that can be conducted so places will be granted on a ‘first come first served’ basis. No previous experience of creative writing is necessary.
Éist Director, Kate McCabe, says, “This is the first programme that merges visionary fiction with transitional justice, and we believe that it has the potential to be a powerful tool not only in Ireland but around the world.”
The workshops will provide skills-based learning opportunities for community groups to come together to participate in future-facing activities where the past is considered, but not required, to move forward.
Will Glendinning of Diversity Challenges said, “We believe the current political situation in Northern Ireland provides the perfect backdrop for our programme. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday/Belfast Peace Agreement and while there is much to celebrate we are also facing the looming impact of Brexit and working toward the restoration of the Northern Executive. “What will the future stories from a society still grappling with these issues look like?”
WORKSHOPS: The workshops are free.
PUBLIC WORKSHOPS SATURDAY 16TH FEBRUARY - Time and venue to be confirmed.
APPLICATION: If you are interested in participating in the public workshops, or if your organisation would like to avail of the opportunity of hosting a workshop, please send a short email to Diversity Challenges (below).
ORGANISERS:
DIVERSITY CHALLENGES; www.diversity-challenges.com
Will Glendinning - glendinning1w@gmail.com
Laurence McKeown – laurence.p.mckeown@gmail.com
ÉIST; www.eistworks.org
Kate McCabe
EMAIL: kate@eistworks.org
TUTORS
OCTAVIA’S BROOD; http://octaviasbrood.com
Adrienne Marsee Brown
Autumn Brown