Creative Writing, Mental Health, & Activism (Online)
When
Occurs on
Friday May 12 2023
Approximate running time: 2 hours
Venue
Information
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Instructor: Veronique West
May 12-June 30, Fridays, 2PM- 4PM
Class Description: Communities with lived experience of mental health disability bring important, alternative perspectives to art-making. In this program, we’ll explore creative writing, while drawing from the teachings of artists and activists with mental health disabilities. In particular, we’ll focus on artists and activists who belong to multiple equity-seeking communities.
As a participant, you will:
- Develop creative writing projects - Exchange supportive feedback with peers - Discuss the connections between art, mental health, and disability activism - Discuss the connections between disability activism and other forms of activism - Share writing excerpts with the public (if you wish)
The program will aim to offer you a supportive community of peers, a deeper knowledge of your voice and process as a creative writer, and a deeper understanding of how your art can connect with disability activism.
The facilitator, Veronique/V, is a non-binary settler of Polish descent with lived experience of mental health disability, neurodivergence, and chronic illness. V will consult you about your access needs and strive to adapt the program accordingly. You won’t be required to disclose any personal experiences. You can try out a session or two before committing. V will co-create community care and accountability guidelines with participants.
Materials: Microsoft Word or other program for writing (handwriting can be an option if typing isn’t accessible).
About the instructor: Veronique/V is a non-binary artist, arts worker, and disability advocate of Polish descent, based on stolen Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories. Their practice draws from their lived experience of neurodivergence, madness, and chronic illness. As an artist, their projects explore how disability can reshape understandings of self, kin, and community. They have collaborated across various mediums, including performance, sound art, web-based art, and virtual reality. As an advocate, V contributes to disability-led consultation, education, community organizing, and peer support initiatives. Website: www.veroniquewest.com
May 12-June 30, Fridays, 2PM- 4PM
Class Description: Communities with lived experience of mental health disability bring important, alternative perspectives to art-making. In this program, we’ll explore creative writing, while drawing from the teachings of artists and activists with mental health disabilities. In particular, we’ll focus on artists and activists who belong to multiple equity-seeking communities.
As a participant, you will:
- Develop creative writing projects - Exchange supportive feedback with peers - Discuss the connections between art, mental health, and disability activism - Discuss the connections between disability activism and other forms of activism - Share writing excerpts with the public (if you wish)
The program will aim to offer you a supportive community of peers, a deeper knowledge of your voice and process as a creative writer, and a deeper understanding of how your art can connect with disability activism.
The facilitator, Veronique/V, is a non-binary settler of Polish descent with lived experience of mental health disability, neurodivergence, and chronic illness. V will consult you about your access needs and strive to adapt the program accordingly. You won’t be required to disclose any personal experiences. You can try out a session or two before committing. V will co-create community care and accountability guidelines with participants.
Materials: Microsoft Word or other program for writing (handwriting can be an option if typing isn’t accessible).
About the instructor: Veronique/V is a non-binary artist, arts worker, and disability advocate of Polish descent, based on stolen Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories. Their practice draws from their lived experience of neurodivergence, madness, and chronic illness. As an artist, their projects explore how disability can reshape understandings of self, kin, and community. They have collaborated across various mediums, including performance, sound art, web-based art, and virtual reality. As an advocate, V contributes to disability-led consultation, education, community organizing, and peer support initiatives. Website: www.veroniquewest.com