
August 13-15th, 2010
The National Lao American Writer’s Summit will mentor and support the first and emerging generation of Lao American writers. Held in Minneapolis at the acclaimed Loft Literary Center, during the Summit, nationally renowned Laotian American writers will conduct workshops with participants.
Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings will be scheduled and encouraged. Through this Summit, the organizers will provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Laotian American writers.
This 3-day Summit will take place from Friday to Sunday. Workshops will be conducted from Friday to Saturday. A public reading will be held on Saturday night.
Writing Workshops
Under the present plan, a nationally recognized Laotian American writer will facilitate each writing workshop. Workshops will consist of writing exercises and group discussions on participants' writing. At each workshop, participants will write and workshop new pieces in their genre of preference. Participants have the opportunity to take a workshop with every faculty member.
Community Panels
For emerging writers and non-artist participants, panels will be held to highlight the current state of Lao American arts, opportunities and experiences of individual artists and to examine the positive potential arts have on individual and community growth.
Resource Fair
Community members will have an opportunity to meet national, regional and local arts, philanthropic and refugee service organizations, publishers and researchers who can answer questions and advise writers and artists on significant opportunities.
Based on preliminary community discussions, we anticipate an audience of 100 to 200 people representing a wide range of states, particularly from the Minnesota, Texas, Washington, California, Illinois, Wisconsin and New York.
More information here.