THE WORLD WE MAKE: REIMAGINING SOCIETY THROUGH STORYTELLING
Ages 16-29
Fall 2022, Online

In this online workshop, student fellows will develop compelling, character-driven narratives based in reimagined worlds. Using their preferred genre–sci-fi, fantasy, comedy, etc.–writers will deconstruct societal issues related to race, gender, class, and/or environment, and envision a transformed society. Through world building, characterization, symbolism, and other literary techniques, each fellow will complete a short story, script, comic, or other narrative art piece. As part of their process, students will also create a lookbook/moodboard, drawing visual inspiration from various sources, and featuring both original and archival materials.  Fellows will pitch their project proposals, create weekly milestone checklists, and offer peer feedback in group discussion. Final projects will be shared on the program website and at a public exhibition. Limited to 8 student fellows.

Kian Kelley-Chung is an activist at heart, artist by trade, combining social justice with innovative multimedia storytelling. A Columbia, MD, native, Kian’s work focuses on race, immigration, gender and class through music, photo, film, XR, and more.

Alisha Mona'e Coates graduated from Morgan State University with a B.S in Multi-Platform Media Production.  A BYFA participant since 2016, she started her photography career at Edmondson Westside, and hopes to eventually open an art/photography studio.