NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2015 Thank You! This year, your support was especially important As we plan for the upcoming season, we look back on a year that was exhilarating, challenging, and thanks to you, wildly successful! The BABEL audience was our largest to date, with 500 more attending. Literary superstars Colum McCann, David Henry Hwang, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Patti Smith also attracted one of our most diverse BABEL audiences ever. Gathering together to hear from these great writers of such insight, intelligence, humor and global perspective was an enlightening and life-affirming experience for readers, writers and dreamers from all walks of life. Our
“I loved his message of peace as an ideal, optimism being superior to cynicism, and how literature can change the world” —Student attending BABEL event featuring Colum McCann
newly developed Studio events were a hit, featuring visits from celebrated national poets as well as a Publishing Panel that provided a forum for writers to discuss their work and learn from each other. Finally, this past year, we were busy launching a new Writing Center, hosting a Statewide literary arts convening, and working steadily with donors, members and advisors to build the future of Just Buffalo through JB40 (read more about JB40 on page 4). Throughout, it was your participation, feedback and donations that helped us rise to the challenges of this eventful year and to finish strong. We thank you! Read on for more news from the year and a glimpse of great things to come.
“BABEL is one of the best things going in Buffalo. We love meeting young writers/students in the lobby. We’ve found that subscribing to the series is the best way to ensure that we get out to see the writers you bring in.” — Bill & Molly Gray (05/15)
BABEL fan with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Writing Center Exceeds Expectations Helping young people find their voice Writing is a calling for some, a struggle for others. While Just Buffalo remains strongly committed to providing its awardwinning In-School writing programs, there are many students who wish to improve their writing over the longer term, or who need some targeted extra help outside of school hours. In response to this need, in April 2014, the Just Buffalo Writing Center was opened to students aged 12-18 as a haven for expression and learning. Twice each week, the Center offers specialized writing workshops led by a variety of teaching artists and is staffed by a Writer-In-Residence who provides additional guidance and one-on-one attention. These services are provided at no cost, thanks to your support. In the first year, the Writing Center has served nearly 300 young people, and attendance is growing steadily. We are amazed by the emerging talent, improved skills and supportive friendships developing within this diverse group of teens. Already, a wonderful difference has been made in the lives of many of these students, as heard in testimonials, both public and very personal.
The Writing Center is “home base” for all of Just Buffalo’s programs The Just Buffalo Writing Center has proven to be more than an extension of our In-School and community Education programs (like our work with Buffalo Promise Neighborhood and Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology). The Writing Center is our “home base”- a welcoming place for friends, families and community leaders to visit and see firsthand the power and possibilities created through the literary arts. The Writing Center has already begun to inspire more partnerships, expanded program possibilities and support for literary offerings. If you haven’t visited the Writing Center yet, we hope to see you soon!
“Love Notes” from Just Buffalo Writing Center Students: “The JBWC is like the place I’ve always wanted to make when I grew up…and as an added bonus, there are snacks.” “I wanna see this group grow larger and other centers to open up so other kids and young adults can connect to their peers” “The JBWC helped me by letting me meet other people with similar interests…I actually have people who will listen to all my crazy ideas”
Expanded Programs for Adults Just Buffalo programs serve writers of all ages
While serving writers of all ages has always been a priority to Just Buffalo, the feedback from adult writers is that they want more and faster! This past season, the Studio Publising Panel was added in response to the demand. Thanks to the leadership of committed volunteers, a pilot writing program for seniors was held at Stadnitski Gardens. The Writers’ Critique Group is going strong, the Studio poetry series is expanding, and the Literary Buffalo Calendar of Events will be easier to use when our new website launches this fall. We are also working to get adult workshops back into the mix. “This was extremely helpful and very well-done. Nice diversity in panel. Professionally moderated. The JB space is great! It’s my first time here.” “…enlightening to hear how the authors go about their careers.” – Studio Publishing Panel participants
Sharing the Stories 40 Stories goes global
Just Buffalo’s 40 Stories project documents the powerful impact Just Buffalo has had in people’s lives and how it has transformed the literary landscape in Western New York. To date, 25 people have shared in brief video testimonials their personal stories of deep connection to literature, poetry, and the profound need to express themselves through writing. Recently, one of our 40 Stories videos went global, viewed 360+ times in the US and over 70 times across the UK, Europe, and Asia! You can view these beautiful testimonials as we release them on our website justbuffalo.org. We thank all those who shared their stories with us. If you have a story to share, please let us know!
Spotlight on the Literary Arts and Just Buffalo Have you seen our “Just Buffalo Is” video at North Park Theatre? 40 Stories Participants at video unveiling
A new Interactive Timeline will be launched on Just Buffalo’s website as the refreshed version goes live this fall. 40 Stories and the Timeline highlight our community’s rich literary heritage, resources and programs. They vividly bring to life the many ways people can participate in Just Buffalo and other literary programs to experience the joy and powerful benefits of reading great books, listening to the words of skilled writers, and learning to write well.
With You, Making it Happen Building a bigger and stronger community of readers, writers and dreamers 2015 marks Just Buffalo’s 40th anniversary. JB40 is a celebration of the past and a bridge to the future. The JB40 fundraising campaign provides a solid financial base for growth, innovation and sustainability. We need the support of many friends who understand the importance of fostering a thriving literary arts community and providing the highest quality literary arts programs right here in Western New York. Donations are being gratefully accepted now, and can also be made during our year-end campaign this fall. Please know that your generosity builds a bright future for our community of readers, writers and dreamers. Every extra dollar helps. Support for the first phase of JB40 generously provided by: Michael C. Angelucci Anonymous Dr. Arjang A. Assad Thomas G. Aurelio James and Pamela Bachwitz Paul A. Battaglia Baumgart Family Judy and Tom Beecher Dianne Bennett and William Graebner Mark Chason and Mariana Botero Chason For more information, contact info@justbuffalo.org or call (716)832-5400 or visit our website www.justbuffalo.org Laurie Dean Torrell, Executive Director Barbara Cole, Artistic Director Noah Falck, Education Director Kris Pope, Director of Finance and Development
Adele and George DeTitta Miriam and Peter Dow Gayle and James Eagan Mary E. Farallo Robert J. & Martha B. Fierle Foundation Friends of Just Buffalo Robert J. Genco Geri Grossman and Jimmie Gilliam Edwin P. Hart Thomas and Sharon Hewner Dr. Olga Karman Janet Kaye and Dan Kushel Lucy Kogler John N. Lipsitz and Maria Scrivani Rita Lipsitz and Richard Lipsitz, Sr. Patrick J. Long NYS Regional Economic Development Council The John R. Oishei Foundation Julian R. and Varue W. Oishei Foundation Elizabeth Pascal Bryan Roland Richard Schroeder, CFP ÂŽ Anne and David Taylor Timothy Vukelic and Shelby Deck The Western New York Foundation
THANK YOU! Just Buffalo Writing Center is located at 468 Washington Street Buffalo, NY 14203 Please direct correspondence to our business office: Just Buffalo Literary Center, Inc. 617 Main Street, Suite 202A Buffalo, NY 14203-1400
Just Buffalo Literary Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization