Ithaca’s vibrant literary scene is gearing up for the 16th annual Spring Writes Literary Festival, which promises an engaging celebration of words and creativity. Scheduled to take place from May 2 to 5 with live events in downtown Ithaca and extending to Zoom from May 11th to 18th, the festival's impact will be felt far beyond its immediate time frame. The literary festivities will continue with workshops stretching into September, offering a unique opportunity for writers and artists to engage and evolve in their craft. 

This year, the festival proudly showcases over 40 free literary-themed events, including panels, readings, workshops, performances, and happenings featuring 100 local writers and artists. These events mark our continued commitment to fostering creativity and connection within our community.   

Robin Schwartz, the Community Arts Partnership's grant and program director, said, “This hybrid of live and Zoom programming ensures accessibility and participation from all corners of our literary community.” Schwartz added that established and emerging writers and the “book-loving public” are invited to participate in events celebrating storytelling, dialogue, and artistic expression. 

The live and in-person part of the festival kicks off on Thursday evening, May 2nd, and runs through Sunday afternoon, May 5th. In between are 23 events taking place at downtown Ithaca locations. Multiple readings include poetry and prose open mic, group readings, and visual art and literary hybrid readings. Writing workshops like “Stranger Than Fiction” and comedy writing help build skills. “Writing Queer in an Era of Book Bans” and “Worldbuilding in Science Fiction and Fantasy” are two of the many panel discussions. Special events include the Ithaca Book & Zine Fair, Lifelong’s Senior Theatre Troupe performances, a Comics Drama Radio Hour, and three evening multi-media performances.   

Ten Zoom events from May 11th to 18th include panels about critique groups and writers inspired by Rome. There are group readings from local authors and Ithaca College and Cornell students, a bi-lingual reading, and “Polychromatic Voices: Translation in Performance.”    

From June to August, eight literary workshops continue with subjects such as writing a picture book, YA speculative fiction fantasy, writing poetry for resistance, listening to poems, a zine workshop, and recovering your creative spirit! 

One distinctive feature of the Spring Writes Festival is its inclusive approach to participant selection. Community Arts Partnership (CAP) organizers adopt a diverse and dynamic strategy when choosing events and participants. The selection process involves an application system, collaboration with CAP's partners, and direct invitations extended to local community organizations and artists.  

The festival's priorities highlight a particular focus on writers residing in Tompkins County. While this remains a crucial consideration, the festival has also welcomed applications from writers in other areas, provided they align with specific priorities. 

Diversity takes center stage in the 2024 priorities of the Spring Writes Literary Festival. CAP is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to the arts and cultivating a creative culture that mirrors the community's diversity. As a result, the festival actively encourages applications from writers from BIPOC and LGBTQIA communities. Additionally, middle or high school student writers and those representing marginalized communities possessing unique voices or facing challenges are invited to contribute to the festival's rich tapestry, making everyone feel welcomed and valued. 

The selection process demonstrates the organization's commitment to presenting a diverse, varied, and exciting lineup of events. Events with a history or likelihood of drawing excellent audience attendance are prioritized, ensuring the festival resonates widely within the community. Furthermore, inclusivity extends beyond the literary realm, as the organizers enthusiastically welcome ideas that incorporate other art forms, fostering a multidimensional and enriching experience for participants and attendees alike.  

Admission to all but two events is free!  For the full schedule, artist bios, and registration information, visit SpringWrites.org.