Calling All Writers! A City-Wide Writing Project Documents Neighborhood Pride in Cleveland

What does Cleveland mean to you? Is it the vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, or the true passion of its people? A new city-wide writing project, Neighborhood Voices, allows writers to explore their love for Cleveland.

“Neighborhood Voices lets residents connect with each other through words and shared experiences,” said Aaron Mason, Director of Community Engagement at Cleveland Public Library. “Cleveland Public Library encourages writers of all levels and genres to participate in this unique summer program.”

Registration is now open for Neighborhood Voices. Cleveland Public Library and Literary Cleveland will host the free virtual writing workshops throughout the city in June and July. Participants will be able to choose a session based on where they live. Authors, educators, and literary artists will coach writers on their stories, essays, and poems focused on the hopes, challenges, and unique aspects of their communities.

Participants can sign up for workshops in one of six regions:

Region	Neighborhoods
WEST	Westpark, Jefferson, Kamm’s Corners, Bellaire-Puritas
NORTHEAST	North Collinwood, South Collinwood, Manhattan Beach, Waterloo, Euclid-Green, Forest Hills
SOUTHEAST	Union-Mills Park, Corlett, Lee-Miles
EAST	Mt. Pleasant, Woodland Hills, Buckeye-Shaker, Kinsman, Woodhill Homes, Fairfax, Central
NEAR EAST	Glenville, Hough, Goodrich-Kirtland Park, Asiatown, St. Clair-Superior, University Circle
NEAR WEST	Downtown, Ohio City, Tremont, Clark-Fulton, Detroit Shoreway, Edgewater, Cudell, Stockyards

At the conclusion of the program, the final drafts will be collected into an anthology showcasing the lives and voices of Cleveland neighborhoods. The anthology will be released in the fall.

“Literary Cleveland is committed to helping people find and share their stories, through many kinds of writing. We are incredibly excited about the potential of the Neighborhood Voices writing program,” said Christine Howey, Executive Director at Literary Cleveland. “It’s a great opportunity to have Cleveland citizens connect with their neighbors and the community at large.”

The writing workshops will be held via the phone and online through video conferencing software, Zoom. Attendees will have a choice of two 90-minute weeknight or weekend sessions.