National Centre for Writing City of Literature weekend 28-30 May 2021

With details of the free events: 

Join us online and in person for free events!       City of Literature weekend begins! Join us in person and online   Book now – everything is free! Numbers are capped for some events   FRIDAY 28 MAY   Provenance — nine performances left! Until Sunday 30 May, various times, Dragon Hall, free   In this vivid, emotional and immersive installation we hear the compelling story of twins separated by death. Guided by a live actor, Provenance unfolds over three simultaneous screens as we follow the 120-year journey of the sacred ibeji object and how it can hold the hopes and emotions of a family. Written by Ayòbámi Adébáyò, this story asks important questions about decolonising museums.   'I'd encourage anyone to go and see it, it's a beautiful performance.' – audience member     Produced by Mutiny and University of East Anglia as part of Future and Form, in conjunction with the National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Funded by Arts Council England.   Looking, Large and Small Available online now   Explore the magic of the natural world, up close, with Looking, Large and Small: an online seasonal pack of observations, illustrations and exercises brought to you by nature writer and environmental historian Jessica J. Lee and novelist and illustrator Rowan Hisayo Buchanan.     Part of Open Doors, programmed by the National Centre for Writing with support from Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence programme.   Abir Mukherjee and Derek Owusu reflect on the role of the writer in turbulent times Friday 28 May, 6pm BST, YouTube, free   Bestselling crime writer Abir Mukherjee and Derek Owusu, winner of the Desmond Elliott Prize 2020, reflect on the atmospheric pressure of the year they’ve just had. Their discussion takes stock of our unique moment in time, reflects on the political role of the writer, and expresses hope for the future.     Part of Open Doors, programmed by the National Centre for Writing with support from Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence programme.   SATURDAY 29 MAY   Page Against the Machine Saturday 29 May, 12noon BST, remotely or at the Plantation Garden, Norwich   Pick a book, bring a cool drink and turn off your phone for a well-deserved detox read in the beautiful surroundings of the Plantation Garden – or join in from home or wherever you are!   Make sure to take a picture of your chosen book and reading spot, and share with us on social media using the hashtag #CityofLit21. We'll select four of our favourite photos to win an A3 'All Shall Be Well' screen print.     In partnership with The Book Hive.   Digital ghosts — Jay Bernard and Mwen Saturday 29 May, 5pm BST, YouTube, free   What role does our environment play in what we create? How can we explore social history with modern technology? Join Jay Bernard, NCW Associate Artist, film-maker and author of Surge (winner of the Ted Hughes Award), and sound artist, producer, composer, DJ and session musician, Mwen for an exploration of place and digital 'ghosts' in their extraordinary new work, Tombland.     Ayòbámi Adébáyò on the making of Provenance Saturday 29 May, 7pm BST, YouTube, free   What will writing look like in 50 years? How do you tell a story spanning continents, cultures and histories through digital means?   Celebrated novelist Ayòbámi Adébáyò explains the story behind Provenance and what it was like to approach writing for a completely different and digital medium. She is joined in conversation by Jean McNeil, Professor of Creative Writing at UEA and award-winning writer of 14 books.     Part of Future & Form. Produced by Mutiny and University of East Anglia, in conjunction with the National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Funded by Arts Council England.   SUNDAY 30 MAY   A peek at neighbourhood nature with Jessica J. Lee and Rowan Hisayo Buchanan Sunday 30 May, 11am BST, YouTube, free   Join nature writer and environmental historian Jessica J. Lee and novelist and illustrator Rowan Hisayo Buchanan for a peek behind the hedge at how their nature writing and drawing was shaped by a year in lockdown. Together they have made Looking, Large and Small, an online resource which encourages readers of all ages to watch the magic of each season up close.     Part of Open Doors, programmed by the National Centre for Writing with support from Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence programme.   Self-discovery through reading and storytelling with Ellah P. Wakatama Sunday 30 May, 7pm BST, YouTube, free   In this stunning film, literary editor and critic Ellah P. Wakatama takes you on a personal journey of self-discovery through reading and storytelling. Beginning in secondary school in 1980, the year Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, she interweaves the works of Doris Lessing, Tsitsi Dangarembga and Toni Morrison to explore the impact that the words and ideas of women writers have had on her life.   Ellah’s story is accompanied by a visual score from film-maker, visual artist and poet Julianknxx. It forms this year's Harriet Martineau Lecture: an annual celebration of the legacy of a remarkable, world-changing woman which asks globally-renowned radical speakers to respond to her life and work.     Supported by The Martineau Society.   Looking for books?   Purchase Festival books online and in person through The Book Hive!   We’ve teamed up with one of our favourite independent bookshops in Norwich, The Book Hive, for this year’s City of Literature Festival.   If you’ve enjoyed any of our events and are looking to read more from our fantastic writers, do visit The Book Hive website or pop in to see them on London Street to make an order! They will be happy to help by email, phone or in person.     Donate to the National Centre for Writing   As a UK registered charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to make our work possible. Please consider making a donation today to ensure that the writers of tomorrow get the support they need to thrive and tell their story, whatever their background. Find out more   The National Centre for Writing is supported by:   Copyright © 2021 National Centre for Writing, All rights reserved. Registered charity number: 1110725 Our mailing address is: National Centre for Writing Dragon Hall 115 - 123 King Street Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1QE United Kingdom

Did you know that we also provide lots more free digital resources?         We hope that your writing is progressing, despite the many complications and distractions over the last year. As you're a Writer's Toolkit Online student we wanted to let you know about our latest courses.   The 2021 catalogue now includes poetry and YA fiction in addition to the popular productivity and science fiction courses. There is a mix of free and longer, paid courses to suit your budget and availability.   All courses can be taken at your own pace from the comfort of your own home – or even while sat in a café or library, if local lockdown rules permit!   Take a look at our new courses     Writing Characters for Middle-Grade Fiction   How to be a Confident Poet   Introducing Short Form Poetry     Writing Characters for Middle-Grade Fiction   How to be a Confident Poet     Introducing Short Form Poetry     A bit about us: the National Centre for Writing celebrates and explores the artistic and social power of creative writing. We help writers at all stages of their journey, support young people to nurture a love of writing and reading, and inspire communities through world-class events that we host in our home city of Norwich UNESCO City of Literature and beyond. We are a UK registered charity (charity no 1110725). Find out more     Did you know that we provide lots more free digital resources?     The Writing Life podcast   Tips & techniques for writers   Writing features & longer reads     The Writing Life podcast   Tips & techniques for writers     Writing features & longer reads   Join the National Centre for Writing mailing list   You already get updates about our online courses. If you would also like to sign up to the main NCW mailing list we’ll send you a weekly round-up of the very best blogs, podcasts, writing opportunities and events, straight to your inbox.     You can also follow us on social media     Please do send us your thoughts on our courses!     The National Centre for Writing is supported by:   Copyright © 2021 National Centre for Writing, All rights reserved. Registered charity number: 1110725   Our mailing address is: National Centre for Writing Dragon Hall 115 - 123 King Street Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1QE United Kingdom   Follow us: