DIRECTORY

The Muse Writers Center in Norfolk is Hampton Roads’ only literary center, and is the inclusive heart of the creative writing community in Southeastern Virginia and beyond.

We are a sanctuary for writers. We provide a sacred space for learning the craft of creative writing, sharing creative work, and fostering a nurturing environment for personal expression and development where writers come together, share ideas, and experience the power that words can hold.

We are professional and compassionate teachers. Our talented and dedicated teachers are working literary artists who meet writers where they are and help them reach their fullest potential.

We are committed to diversity. We strive to create, welcome, and celebrate a diverse community of writers, highlight underrepresented voices, and embrace the power of words to offer thoughtful and provocative commentary on diversity in our society.

We are community builders. We offer events that foster engagement, intellectual and creative stimulation, and a stronger sense of belonging.

We are committed to accessibility and equity for all. We are committed to ensuring that no barriers, financial or otherwise, stand in the way of access to the literary arts. We employ innovative programming, outreach, and technology to serve communities in Hampton Roads and beyond, while constantly striving to adapt to and thrive in the rapidly changing world.

Fast Facts 2020:

• In a pandemic year, we held more than 230 public literary events (mostly online), which were attended by more than 12,000 people in Hampton Roads and around the world. Events included adult and youth readings, a Diversity 2020 Reading Series, Black Stories Matter, and readings celebrating Latin Heritage Month, Women Writers in Translation, and Mental Health Awareness Month.
• We hosted more than 200 classes for adults and youth, with more than 12,000 participants, 26% of whom received tuition help (we gave away more than $21,000 in tuition). Nearly 700 young and teen writers participated in our youth program. And we awarded five $1,000 college scholarships.
• Write Where You Are, our outreach program, brought the literary arts in the form of classes, readings, and literary/educational programming to nearly 1,500 seniors (in assisted living, memory care, etc.), young writers (in schools and youth programs, including juvenile justice), and members of the military community (on base and otherwise). Our Teen Writers Fellowship, currently in its second year, provides eight teen writers an extensive program of advanced workshopping and professional mentorship.

Please visit our website at the-muse.org for more information.