Shortly after cancelling StoryFest 2020, originally scheduled on May 2 at Normandale Community College, Story Arts received word that our application for Arts Project Support funding was approved by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. We are very grateful to MRAC for the grant, which will enable us to pay workshop presenters and featured storytellers and meet other expenses associated with an all-day public event. We’re even more grateful that MRAC will allow us to hold and apply the funds to StoryFest 2021.
While many of the workshop leaders, storytellers, and session hosts have already re-committed to being part of the festival a year from now, we don’t need to wait that long to share the community spirit of StoryFest. With MRAC’s permission, SAM is tapping into the grant now to create opportunities for you to share stories, sharpen storytelling skills, and connect with other story lovers on Zoom.
Starting on May 12, you can join us each month on the second Tuesday evening for an online workshop. Participation is free, but you must register. The first workshop will be led by renowned storyteller, story coach, author, and SAM board member Laura Packer. Laura will explore aspects of self care for storytellers during social distancing. Please register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-care-for-storytellers-during-social-distancing-workshop-tickets-103639257810.
We’re on the lookout for more workshop topics and presenters. If you have an idea for a workshop, please drop us a line at storyartsmn@gmail.com.
In addition, SAM has already begun hosting monthly Story Circles – virtual open mics where anyone can tell a seven-minute story. No judging, no feedback, just stories. Any kind of story, true or fictional, traditional or contemporary, is welcome. If you don’t have a story to share right now, please come to listen. Stories need audiences! The Story Circles will occur on the fourth Tuesday evening of every month. They’re free, but pre-registration is required. To register for the next Story Circle – Tuesday, April 28, 7pm – please go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sam-online-story-circle-tickets-103089389138.
For information about upcoming virtual programs, please follow “Story Arts of Minnesota” on Facebook or watch this website. Until we can meet again in person, we look forward to seeing you on the screen.
SAM’s online activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.