In the 1960s and ‘70s, “Free University” instructors brought classes to the masses in Indianapolis — everything from candle-making, to metaphysics, to writing — for free or cheap. The Indiana Writers Center has its roots in this free-wheeling soil, and will mark its 40th anniversary in 2019.
In 1979 Jim Powell, who taught workshops for Free U., had a notion that writers in Indianapolis had something to learn from one another and could benefit from their own organization. He and a small group of like-minded writers met for the first time at Broad Ripple Tavern (now The Bungalow) in 1979, giving birth to what is now the Indiana Writers Center.
Forty years later—a wealth of stories, novels, poems, essays, articles, nonfiction books, memoirs, and plays inspired by our classes and programs under our belt—the IWC is just getting started!
We look forward to launching our Fortieth Anniversary fundraising campaign, and hope that you will give what you can to help ensure sound financial footing as we move into the future.
There will be plenty of just-plain-fun celebratory activities, too.
A highlight of our anniversary year will be publishing Jim Powell’s story collection, Only Witness. “I look forward to celebrating IWC’s 40th will all the energy I can muster!” Powell said.
A book launch and reception for Powell will be held on March 8, at the Circle City Industrial Complex.
Other 40th Anniversary plans include:
• March 9: The Gathering of Writers at the Indiana State Library, featuring poet Ross Gay, winner of the Kingsley Tufts Award and a finalist for the National Book Award and the National Books Critics Circle Award. Gay teaches at Indiana University.
• Flash Fiction First Fridays: Every first Friday of 2019, featuring fun writing prompts and opportunities to be published in Flying Island.
• May scavenger hunt: Stay tuned for details of an exciting program planned for race month at the CCIC (which once was a factory that produced turbo-charged engines for Indy 500 cars).
“I am very excited about what we have planned for this, our 40th year,” said board president Celeste Williams. “…honoring our history while looking forward to ensuring a bright future.”
I agree! And I look forward to celebrating this milestone with all of you.
And…
We want to hear from you!
Share Your IWC Story
Writers, here’s your prompt:
In no more than 150 words, tell us your story about the IWC and why it matters to you.
Then…
Snap a selfie and post it along with your story on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram…whatever using #writenowIWC or email it to us at iwcstories@indianawriters.org.
For fun, write “I’m a [your day job]. I’m also a writer” above your story. We love knowing the richness of experience our students bring to their work.
By posting or sending us your story/selfie, you agree to allow the IWC to use it as part of our Fortieth Anniversary promotional campaign.
Sincerely,
Barbara Shoup
Executive Director