promoting the arts that inspire the world to take notice of itself
Posted by Daniela Elza on Jul 09 2007
Promoting the arts that inspire the world to take notice of itself is the motto of Pandora’s Collective Outreach Society. I cannot find a better time to write about this than before their upcoming 2007 Summer Dream Literary Arts Festival that will take place on July 21st in Stanley Park at Lumberman’s Arch between 12 pm—7:30 pm. This festival is organized by two very hard working women that I have the pleasure of knowing. I have been following Bonnie’s and Sita’s dedication to the literary arts scene here in Vancouver for a few years now. Despite the fact that they have day jobs they still find time to pour their passions into Pandora’s Collective. They organize contests for adults, teens and children, they do writing workshops, open mics, readings, raise money for scholarships, are collecting books and school supplies for Zimbabwe. All these and more you will find on their website which provides resources to emerging writers: where you can submit your work, and information about their activities and events, as well as a poets directory that you could add yourself to. So do check out their website. I am sure I will not do it enough justice in the space here.
And of course they have once a month the Word Whips series which is open to anyone insipred to come along and write to promts provided by Bonnie Nish and Sita Carboni. Then of course, if you wish you can share what you wrote on the spot. I go to that one as regularly as I can. I do not know why that on-the-spot writing challenge works for me so well. I find I write differently than when I am on my own. There is something to be said about the energy created in a cafe full of writing people. And there is always that element of surprise. You never know what you will come up with. The Word Whips series has now expanded to North Vancouver, where you get to write in Upstart Crow bookstore and gallery.
Last year Pandora’s Collective earned the status of a registered charity and this year they continue tirelessly to promote literacy and self-expression in our community. So now they can accept our support in donations as well. Find out the different ways you can get involved.
In the mean time watch for the posters for the Summer Dream Festival and come, not just because I will be reading at it, but because it is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Vancouver, under those trees, inspired by local home grown words and music. Come and make this your event before the fireworks begin on July 25th.