Waterford initiative aimed at young creative writers

Waterford Youth Arts (WYA) offers a dynamic and inclusive creative writing programme for young people aged between 7 and 19. 

A spokesperson for WYA told Waterford News and Star (waterford-news.ie) that the workshops are designed to nurture creativity, self-expression, and literary skills in a supportive environment. 

The sessions take place at Waterford City and County Library in Lady Lane and the workshops are run in terms, typically spanning eight to nine weeks.

They cover a range of literary forms including poetry, short stories, playwriting and prose. The spokesperson emphasised that no previous experience is necessary and all young people with an interest in writing are welcome to join.

The facilitators include Hannah Carberry (ages 7–11years and 12–14years), who is an accomplished writer and theatre practitioner.

She has an MA in Playwriting and Dramaturgy and is a former youth member of WYA. She focuses on nurturing younger writers and has received recognition for her contributions to the arts in Waterford.

Another facilitator is Mary O’Donoghue (ages 15 to 19 years), who is a poet, playwright, and performance artist.

She will bring a wealth of experience to the programme having written plays and performed poetry for Waterford Youth Arts and other organizations.

She is also recognised for her engaging approach to creative writing and theatre. 

The programme highlights will include award-winning participants - members have achieved recognition in competitions such as the Sean Dunne Young Poets Award and the Hot Press ‘Write Here, Write Now’ competition. 

It will also serve to showcase talent as the young writers will have opportunities to present their work at events like the Waterford Writers Weekend. There will also be collaboration with Fighting Words as WYA partners up to offer free creative writing workshops for primary and post-primary students, further expanding access to creative opportunities.

The organisers of the programme prefer if booking is done online, however, if you need to talk to a member of the team contact 051 879377 or go to www.waterfordyoutharts.com

Registration is required in advance as there will be no walk-up registrations taken for safety reasons and bursaries are available for those who need them. Young people can also attend a trial session before committing to a full term. The sessions will take place every Saturday in Central Library and all levels are welcome.