What’s your story? Sharing stories makes the world a better place. It is through storytelling that we discover and celebrate who we are and where we fit in the world. Our personal narrative is both profound and transformative and telling others is empowering.
The Voices of Women Storymaking Workshops are a fun and creative program that inspires, explores and brings a diverse community together. Suitable for groups of up to 20 women, the workshops do not require previous experience or literacy levels. Using tried and tested storymaking methodologies, the workshops are designed for women over 18.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The first workshop program began in 2018 at Studio MV on the Parramatta Road Petersham (Gadigal Country), followed by EDGE with Inner West Council in 2019. Workshop programs encouraging community connection through storymaking, podcasting and live presentations have taken place annually with regional and metropolitan partners in NSW including:
- South Coast (Yuin Country),
- Dubbo (Tubba-gah (maing) Wiradjuri Country)
- Northern Rivers (Gumbaynggir Country)
- The Riverina (Wiradjuri Country)
- Newcastle (Awabakal and Worimi Country)
- Ryde (Wallumedegal Country)
The workshops are a safe and supportive environment for all women who want to express themselves creatively, have a story to tell, want to meet others, have fun writing or learning about acting. They can lead to a soft public reading in the local community and can also include recorded podcasts.
The workshops are facilitated by Voices of Women Artistic Director Lliane Clarke with guest tutors who are experienced creative workshop facilitators. Â
WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES
- Join a story circle to begin and get to know others
- Meet members of your local community and learn about them through creativity
- Have fun and extend your creative capacity with word games and story play
- Listen and share stories with others in a safe space
- Take a sensory walk and explore your local area creatively
- Respond to precious objects and build a story
- Read your story aloud for the group or for the Voices of Women podcast
- Experiment with the English language and your own cultural language
- Develop an existing idea you may have
- Experience the power of your story shared in a live or filmed performance
WORKSHOP OUTCOMES AND IMPACT
- Boost in individual’s confidence and inner capacity for expression
- Stronger social connection and community ties, increased empathy and tolerance
- Decrease in social isolation and a sense of ‘being heard’
- Strong feeling of ‘belonging’ in a safe place
- Inspiration for future engagement in group or individual creative activities
- Enhanced literacy and written skills
- Appreciation and understanding of the different experiences of others
- Access to support services or sources of assistance
