The Chautauqua Writers' Center is a lively community of writers at all levels of development who cultivate the courage, craft and vision necessary to grow as artists under the tutelage of nationally recognized authors. Started in 1987, the original core program of eighteen summer workshops, readings and lectures has grown to include the Chautauqua Writers' Festival, the Chautauqua Literary Journal, and an active support organization, Chautauqua Literary Arts Friends. Whether you are an accomplished writer looking for peer support, a novice striving to take your work to the next level, or simply an avid reader in love with all things literary, we welcome you and hope to see you at one of our many programs.

 

2009 Writers' Center classes and writers-in-residence will be announced as soon as they are scheduled.

 

Sherra Babcock, Director of Education

Clara Silverstein, program director

 


Writers' Center Programs At-a-Glance

  • Weekly poetry and prose workshops - Each workshop is taught by an experienced, published author in a small group setting. Most classes are limited to just 12 participants. All workshops are held on the second floor of the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall. (Located on the south end of the grounds on Wythe Ave. across from the Hall of Philosophy.) For specific questions regarding workshops, please contact Clara Silverstein at CSilver230@aol.com.

    >> Registration begins April 1 for the 2009 season. Call the ticket office at 716.357.6250 to register by phone; register online; or visit any of Chautauqua’s three ticket windows (located at the Main Gate Welcome Center, the Turner Community Center, or the Colonnade) to register in-person during the season (June 28 – August 30, 2009).

  • Readings on the Porch - Each Sunday from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., the week's poet and prose writers-in-residence read from their own work on the porch of Alumni Hall. (free)
  • Brown-bag Lectures - Each Tuesday and Friday from 12:15 – 1:15 p.m., the week’s poet and prose writers-in-residence (respectively) offer a public lecture on the porch of Alumni Hall. Bring your lunch! (free)
  • Chautauqua Poetry Contest - Sponsored by Chautauqua Literary Arts Friends. No submission fee. Two prizes. One for an adult poet and one for a poet age 18 or younger. Submission forms available at the library and the Literary Arts Center at Alumni Hall.
  • Hauser Prize - Sponsored by Chautauqua Literary Arts Friends. Prize offered in prose. Contest is open to all who come to Chautauqua for the summer season. No submission fee.
  • Chautauqua Literary Arts Friends - $40 annual membership in this literary arts support group includes a copy of the journal Chautauqua, membership in the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC) and perks such as social events.