Scarborough seniors writing program continues in 2014 with digital literacy segment
“Autumn has come and is almost gone — and with it began a new Scarborough Arts program that not only documents life milestones and memories, but also builds new ones: Scarborough Seniors Write. This new and very popular seniors writing program will soon begin its second term in January 2014 at the Toronto Public Library – Kennedy/Eglinton branch, with an innovative emphasis on digital storytelling.
Over the past three months, Scarborough senior residents (ages 55 and over) gathered weekly for the program. They responded to writing prompts to sharpen their skills, captured their memoirs while continuing to build on them, and shared their stories and passions with others. The program explores various literary genres and mediums of expression while providing an avenue for seniors to share their stories and experiences on a grander scale. As the participants explore different aspects of creative writing and storytelling, they are guided by freelance writer David Bester and noted Canadian novelist Sarah Sheard.
“The cultural wealth that exists within Scarborough is vast, at any age,” says Jen Fabico, Program Director at Scarborough Arts. “This writing program is not only a chance for senior writers to come in and work on their artistry, but also a chance to showcase their stories and memoirs to those who are younger and those in their communities. It’s a very uplifting thing to be able to share these momentous occasions, and the immense turnout from day one and onward is just proof of it. I’m excited to watch it continue to unfold.”
Scarborough Seniors Write will open its doors for a second term on January 9, 2014 and wrap up in March. This phase of the program will focus on digital storytelling via blogging, audio recording, and video recording to chronicle and distribute the writers’ work. Weekly sessions will include, but will not be limited to, collaborative exercises, literary dialogues, and working in mixed media to document and publish. No previous experience with these digital tools is necessary. Interested individuals (ages 55 or over) must register. The deadline to register for the 2014 segment is December 4, 2013 – contact Dania Ansari, Scarborough Seniors Write Program Coordinator at 416-698-7322 or ssw@scarborougharts.com.
Scarborough Seniors Write is presented by Scarborough Arts in community partnership with the Toronto Public Library – Kennedy/Eglinton branch and Tropicana Community Services, and is generously supported by the Government of Canada through the New Horizons for Seniors program.”
-from Scarborough Arts press release, November 19
Read Scarborough Arts’ profile in our Community-Engaged Arts Directory and Map
