Fighting Words Northern Ireland invites young writers to ‘go bananas’ at East Belfast pop up

Fighting Words Northern Ireland, has announced a month-long interactive exhibition at Banana Block in East Belfast, for children and young people.  From 5 March, children, young people and their families can drop in (Wednesday-Sunday) read a book together in The Pencil Portal writer’s studio and create a story of their own to add to the display.    

The Fighting Words exhibition will publish and display story-prompts written by Belfast youth groups and schools in recent months, to inspire other young writers.      

Director at Fighting Words Hilary Copeland, said: 

“We’re really excited about the exhibition as it’s the first time we’ve had a pop-up space where we can invite members of the public to see what we do, and experience what writers do.   Our special launch event at 2.30pm on Saturday 5 March as part of Belfast Children’s Festival, includes a lively group story-making session facilitated by the Fighting Words NI team.  We’ll be challenging everyone to let their imaginations go bananas, inspired by the amazing space, the writer’s studio, and an exhibition of artist-illustrated stories by Belfast children.  

“Parents and guardians can register to attend the launch on 5 March at https://www.youngatart.co.uk/whats-on/pencil-portal.” 

Fighting Words NI, based in East Belfast, provides year-round free creative writing opportunities for children and young people aged 6-18 through its schools’ story making workshops, after-school Write Clubs and community engagement programme.       

Fighting Words NI has received funding from the Community Relations Council and Department of Foreign Affairs Foreign Reconciliation Fund for the installation, to support its cross-community engagement with youth groups in East Belfast.    

ENDS//