For 15+ years, the Nebraska Writers Collective (NWC) has made the spoken and written word accessible by hosting creative writing workshops and launching educational programs for writers of all ages.
Creative community
Amplifying voices
Teaching youth to take up space
In classrooms and on stages across the state, young people in the NWC’s programs put words to paper, recording their ideas, hopes, and identities. Students encourage each other to tell their stories, speak louder, and strive for greatness as a community that understands the power of voice.
Supporting writers of all backgrounds
The NWC cultivates an inclusive environment where stories have value and voices are amplified. In partnership with World Speaks, the NWC is committed to increasing language access, providing American Sign Language interpreters at events and translating work for writers creating in their heart language.
Paying local writers
The NWC hires local writers across all genres to work as Teaching Artists in our programs. By investing in writers, we foster creativity and enrich our cultural landscape, ensuring that Nebraska’s writing community flourishes.
COMMUNITY REACH
Meeting creatives where they are
The NWC organizes programs and events that are flexible and accessible to writers from Omaha to Ogallala.
30+ schools and community sites
Our All Writes Reserved program reaches 500+ students annually by sending Teaching Artists to schools and community sites across Nebraska and Southwest Iowa.
50+ Teaching Artists
We hire writers from across Nebraska and Iowa to facilitate writing workshops and deliver powerful performances to audiences of all sizes.
Data-driven art
In 2023, we asked students about their experience after spending a season in the All Writes Reserved (AWR) Youth Spoken Word program.
84%
Believe they have something worthwhile to say
78%
Formed connections they wouldn’t have otherwise
76%
Believe their ideas are valued
73%
Reported that they enjoy performing
PROGRAMS
Offering a variety of writing programs and learning opportunities to our community year-round
Youth programs
The NWC promotes writing and encourages young people to share their stories in our All Writes Reserved program. From August to April, NWC Teaching Artists facilitate weekly poetry and performance workshops, which end in a statewide festival that we like to call the March Madness of Poetry.
In partnership with Civic Nebraska, we select the Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate each spring–a powerful leadership position for creative and civic-minded youth writers.
Workshops with local and visiting writers
Our Visiting Writers Series has welcomed writers such as Gary Soto, George Abraham, Tony McPherson, Hanif Abdurraqib, and National Youth Poet Laureate Salome Agbaroji. These out-of-state writers visit area high schools, give public readings, and lead writing workshops for the public.
The Generator is a virtual writing workshop series for multi-genre adults. Skilled facilitators offer participants an opportunity to write, share, and gain in-the-room feedback.
North Omaha Writers Workshop
A six month, cohort-based workshop for writers living, working, and creating in North Omaha, the North Omaha Writers Workshop provides 25+ hours of graduate-level instruction, craft circles, publication opportunities, and author resources at no cost to participants.
Monthly poetry events
The NWC proudly hosts monthly poetry slams in Omaha and Lincoln. Visit our social media for more details!
Kate Sommer Memorial Poetry Prize
In honor of local educator and writer, Kate Sommer, the NWC hosts the annual Kate Sommer Memorial Poetry Prize. Nebraska residents ages 19+ are invited to submit their original poetry for the chance to win $1,000 and be recognized for their work.
Get involved
Inspired by what we do here?
Help us write the next chapter of the NWC.
