Program areas at Gemini Ink
Public Classes & Events- offers fair-cost, fee-based workshops and many free literary events and monthly writing labs, all led by professional writers scholars, and interdisciplinary artists. All of our classes & events create a space for serious artistic, intellectual, and community-spirited dialogue & are offered virtually as well as in-person. Accommodating job and family schedules and limited budgets, all classes are eligible for teachers continuing education credit, and Gemini Ink works to secure underwriting to provide full and partial scholarships to help ensure the diversity of our classes. Our mentorship program for emerging writers is also a part of this branch of programming.
Special Events/Autograph Series- presents writers of national and international stature- many of the recipients of major prizes such as the Pulitzer or National Book Award- in free public performances followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Ours is one of the few such series in the nation offered to the public at no cost. Autograph Series is partially supported by a ticketed luncheon with the visiting writer. Previous Autograph writers include Margaret Atwood, U.S. Peot Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera, New York Times bestselling author Ben Fountain, and National Book Award winner poet Terrance Hayes, among others.
Partner Classes- sends professional writers into diverse community settings to work alongside students of all ages, needs, interests and abilities for free. With an average ratio of 10:1, our writers-in-residence work closely with students to create dynamic writing projects that challenge them, often reflecting their own lives. These writing workshops build critical reading and writing skills in the process. Offered free to the populations we serve, partner classes are supported by grants or fee-for-service contracts with the partner site. Partner Classes serves an estimated 1300 students each year with 75% of those being people of color.