‘Archiving Memoirs’ Creative Writing Workshops at esea contemporary

Formerly known as CFCCA, esea contemporary is a not for profit art centre specialising in platforming art and artists whose work is informed by East and Southeast Asian cultural backgrounds. As part of their ongoing work documenting the experiences of migrant and 2nd generation east asian people in Manchester they are hosting ‘Archiving Memoirs’, a writing workshop, where you’ll learn how to record and capture a lived history.

Over the course of three and a half hours, you’ll be guided through the process of crafting a memoir. By harnessing some tools of storytelling you’ll explore your own personal experience of migration. It’s a space to reflect and acknowledge the range of experience even within a small group. Culture isn’t created in broad brush strokes, it’s found in the nooks of specificity, which is why each voice in these sessions is so valued. 

As well as empowering an individual to tell their own story it also gives them the chance to contribute to a wider tapestry of immigration in the city. Manchester has one of the largest populations of East and Southeast Asian populations in the country, and within that there are hundreds of contrasting, diverse and fascinating journeys people’s lives have taken for them to end up here. 

The session will be led by London-based bilingual non-fiction writer Zixin Li and although conducted in English it’s designed to be a supportive and encouraging environment for nuanced cultural expression.

As part of the session there will be a congenial and relaxed afternoon tea break where you can get to know the other participants a little better.

Be sure to check out esea contemporary’s full programme of workshops, exhibitions and community work through their website. It’s also a great place to call into if you’re in the Northern Quarter and looking for some well curated contemporary art.