On the write track

Tenants came from Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Armoy to take part.

The renowned summer school gives people from across Northern Ireland and further afield an opportunity to explore issues of difference and identity through literature and creative writing.

A festival of literature, arts and politics, the five day event focused this year on the theme of The State We’re In: Back to the Future.

Society Chair Tony Kennedy said: “We were delighted that four Housing Executive tenants received this bursary to attend our wide range of talks, discussions, creative writing and musical performances.

“It’s about people getting together to develop their writing skills and discuss how to live together in a friendly atmosphere in a positive way. 

“We address issues relating to our society. This year we considered whether, given the current political and social environment, we can rekindle a sense of hope.” 

Jennifer Hawthorne, Housing Executive’s Director of Housing Services, said: “The John Hewitt Society commendably uses literature and the arts as a way to challenge prejudice, exclusive identity and sectarian hostility.

“We hope these tenants will bring new ideas, attitudes and ideas back to share with others in their communities to try to bring diverse groups of people peacefully together. 

“This is just one small part of our ongoing work to tackle anti-social behaviour and cultural tensions in our estates across Northern Ireland with the aim of making them better places to live for everyone.”

Tori Borne, from south Belfast, said: “We were all spoiled with nuanced and academic lectures and discussions on the topic of Northern Ireland, the Good Friday Agreement, and the importance of identity in our current political climate. 

“One of the things that struck me during the week was the tolerance, and the willingness to listen and engage in a productive and reassuring way from not just the guest speakers, but all of the students present in the audience. 

“It was an incredibly heartening thing, to see people from different political backgrounds, ideologies and religions come together and treat each other with respect and dignity. 

“I had the chance to have discussions with people from other parts of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but also further afield as there were students and guests from the United States and Great Britain. 

“It opened my eyes to what the future of Northern Ireland could be, and inspired hope and determination within me to make the effort to see this shared future in our wonderful home come into fruition. 

“I was extremely lucky to attend this year's festival and I would encourage anyone with an interest in Literature, Politics or Art to go, if only to have their eyes and minds opened in a positive and inclusive environment - and have a wonderful time doing it.”