CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN

Ekphrasis: A 2-day creative writing workshop for children aged 9 -14

Monday 7 October and Wednesday 9 October, Toi MAHARA, 20 Mahara Place, Waikanae

Looking for something different for your kids to do in the school holidays?

Send them to this innovative 2-day creative writing workshop where they’ll get the chance to explore the current exhibitions and then practice an age-old technique – ekphrasis – or the art of writing creative responses to selected artworks on show at Toi MAHARA.

After the workshop, children will receive a postcard showcasing their writing and the artwork they’ve responded to.

Two separate sessions available:

  • 9-11 year olds, 9am – 10:30am, Monday 7 October and Wednesday 9 October
  • 12-14 year olds, 11am – 12:30pm, Monday 7 October and Wednesday 9 October

All materials supplied. Places are limited. All children welcome whatever their writing ability!

We want to make this workshop accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier, please email welcome@writerspractice.nz

About the Tutors

Kirsten Le Harivel

Kirsten Le Harivel is an author, event and programme manager specialising in creative writing conferences, workshops, retreats and courses for writers in in-person, online and static formats. She programmes these events as part of Writers Practice, for the New Zealand Society of Authors and Te Kaituhi Māori. She has a background in youth development and experience in running workshops with children and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ESOL speakers and new migrants.

Keryn Mells is a journalist, life coach and primary school teacher. She leads a creative writing enrichment programme at Kapakapanui School and publishes an annual magazine of their work. She has wide experience in managing and presenting at conferences. She led a nation-wide professional development programme for 20 years, and now teaches part-time. She dabbles in creative writing and has completed courses in short fiction, creative non-fiction and writing for children at the IIML and Massey University.