CONTACT
Corby Skinner, Director of The Writer’s Voice
402 North 32nd, Billings, MT 59101
PHONE: 406-294-1620
FAX: 406-248-3450
E-MAIL: cskinner@billingsymca.org
SERVICES: Arts education, literacy and advocacy for contemporary
literature
MISSION
The Writer's Voice of the Billings Family YMCA assists emerging artists and writers in their artistic and
professional development, and provides public programs enriching all sectors of the community with emphasis on arts education for
rural youth.
POETS ON THE PRAIRIE
Poets on the Prairie brings writers/artists into rural schools for a day of teaching and hands-on
workshops. It nurtures an appreciation for the arts while at the same time featuring the diverse work of contemporary Montana artists.
The artists are selected for their creative talent and for their interest and eagerness to share their work with students and teachers.
The
program is designed as a classroom-oriented, working experience for the students. It is not meant to be an assembly or lecture for
large numbers of students. Consequently, larger schools may not be able to include every student in the program on one day; these
schools may want to target specific grades or they may wish to schedule more than one day. We want this to be a quality experience
for the teacher and each student. We hope for as much time as possible in each classroom to actively involve everyone in the creative
process.
TUMBLEWORDS
“TumbleWords: Writers Rolling Around the West” is a literature presenting program established by the Montana
Arts Council and the Western States Arts Federation. The Writer’s Voice administers the program for the entire state of Montana.
“TumbleWords
is designed to bring more exposure to Montana’s writers and their work in “underserved” communities, while building a long-lasting
appreciation of literary arts with these new audiences. The communities are selected because of their limited access to the arts,
relatively low populations, and/or an interest in literature and becoming familiar with Montana writers and poets.
PUBLIC READINGS
EXERCISE
your mind, STRETCH your imagination!
The Billings YMCA Writer’s Voice seeks to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for
contemporary literature of the region and to provide opportunities for open dialogue between writers and their audience.
The Writer’s
Voice presents 15-20 public readings a year in venues around Billings. Most events are FREE. Readings held at the Parmly Billings
Library, Western Heritage Center, MSU-Billings, Yellowstone Art Museum and other venues in the community. All events are FREE to YMCA
members. Readings are supported in part with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Montana Cultural Trust.
HIGH
PLAINS BOOKFEST
The High Plains BookFest is a three-day celebration of the written word. It is held annually in downtown Billings and
features 45 writers and 30 readings, workshops and panel discussions.
AREA SERVED
The Writer’s Voice is the only full-time literary
organization in Montana serving all sectors of the state and all ages. Founded in 1991, the organization focuses the majority of its
work in central and eastern Montana.
MEMBERSHIP
Writer’s Voice memberships are available to non-Y members, call 248-1620 for
more information.