Writers Workshop

designed to elevate and empower 

Transform Your Writing Career with Breaking Free's Interdisciplinary Workshop for Emerging Black Writers.

About the Studio

Breaking Free is an interdisciplinary workshop for emerging or early-career Black writers interested in exploring creative outlets incorporating writing.

This eight-week workshop is designed to help Black writers produce content that will expand their portfolios and open up their career prospects in the Canadian media industry.

Breaking Free Writers Workshop instructor and two participants sharing their experiences

2024 SUBMISSIONS CLOSED

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2024 SUBMISSIONS CLOSED ✱

Our Workshop Journey

From initial submissions to the final presentation, each stage is crafted to support your creative growth and showcase your talents.

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    Submissions

    Submit your work and get ready to transform your writing with personalized feedback.

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    Workshop

    Collaborate with peers and mentors to refine your pieces in an engaging, supportive environment.

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    Production

    Develop your polished works into compelling productions with expert guidance.

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    Presentation

    Showcase your creations to an audience and celebrate your journey as a writer.

The Writers Workshop is for emerging Black writers who want to to explore and solidify themselves in their respective fields, whether that’s podcasting, filmmaking, theatre, multi-media storytelling, or other industries incorporating writing and the five senses.

✱ 8 Weeks

✱ 6 Writers

✱ In-person Sessions

✱ Live Presentations

2024 Guest Speakers

  • Khadijah Salawu guest speaker for the 2024 Breaking Free Writers Studio Workshop

    Khadijah Salawu

    ACTOR, WRITER, CREATIVE PRODUCER AND ARTIST-EDUCATOR

  • Terese Mason Pierre guest speaker for the 2024 Breaking Free Writers Studio Workshop

    Terese Mason Pierre

    WRITER AND EDITOR

View Bios

Our Supporters

We’re grateful for the support of our donors and supporters who enable the work we do.

Uzima Women Relief Group International Logo
Toronto Arts Council (TAC) Logo

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After three intense months of hard work and dedication, the 2024 Breaking Free: Writers Studio cohort is ready to present their exciting projects. From captivating plays to engaging live video game walkthroughs, our talented writers are set to showca
2024 Breaking Free Writers Spotlight: Florian Montague! 🎉 Florian is a Black, Non Binary artist who has dedicated their life to the pursuit of a variety of art forms. These include, but are not limited to, piano, writing, drawing, singing, acting,
2024 Breaking Free Writers Spotlight: Madeline Cain! 🎉 📢Heeeere's Maddyyy: "Hi! My name is Maddy, and I’m really excited to start with Breaking Free: Writers Studio. I’m a huge fan of video games and especially the narrative dr
2024 Breaking Free Writers Spotlight: Ahmed Jama! 🎉 Ahmed is based in Toronto and works at an eye clinic where he applies his biomedical engineering diploma and his ongoing bachelor’s degree in health science. Driven by a goal to become a p
2024 Breaking Free Writers Spotlight: Lamesha Ruddock! 🎉 Lamesha (she/her) is a cultural producer, stage manager, performance artist, and historian specializing in 20th-century Black British feminist history. She creates immersive theatrical experi
Thank you to all the applicants. Those who have been accepted will be contacted shortly. Due to the volume of applicants this year, unfortunately, we cannot offer feedback. Nonetheless, let us march forward and prosper. ✨