See Me Through My Hands: Another Dimension

DEAF WRITERS PROJECT
 
Writers SA’s pilot Auslan Storytellers was developed from consultation and collaboration with the Deaf community. South Australia’s disability arts organisation Access2Arts commissioned Stuart Anderson to survey the community and identify the cultural opportunities most needed. Stuart’s survey identified writing and storytelling as key areas of desired activity, and Writers SA acted as the key partner to develop activities. Writers SA’s Director Jessica Alice worked with Access2Arts and Stuart Anderson to then develop Auslan Storytellers, which was presented to Aesop Foundation for consideration in 2019, before a successful 2020–21 project that became the performance event See Me Through My Hands.
 
Writers SA’s 2022 Deaf Writers program will host two residency-based intensives at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre in Adelaide, for up to ten emerging writers from the Deaf community. These weekend intensives – held in April and October – will develop our emerging practitioners' writing skills and literary capabilities, create spaces for collaboration and exchange, and allow writers to create new storytelling works. Professional writers, editors and SAFC filmmakers will guide a cohort of Deaf writers in the creative development of a suite of stories.
"It has been believed for many decades that you are either born a writer or not. The truth is, anyone can become a writer. With that being said, you want to remember that it does not happen overnight. Even the best writers had to start somewhere before they became successful."  Zoe Nixon

​Who will be involved in delivering the project?
  • Deaf Writers Project Coordinator: Stuart Anderson
  • Writers SA Operations Manager: Bronwyn Tilley
  • 9 participants were selected (most from the past years)
  • Four interpreters

TIMELINE
Friday 22 April—Sunday 24 April 2022: Residency intensive #1
  • Friday evening: dinner and networking
  • Saturday: guest workshops and film mentoring
  • Sunday: guest workshops and filming stories
 
Friday 7 October—Sunday 9 October 2022: Residency intensive #2
  • Saturday: guest workshops and creative development
  • Sunday: guest workshops and filming