Word on the street

Have your writing featured in a large-scale mural project at The Crossing this spring.

In collaboration with At The Bay, WORD Christchurch have a new project underway as part of the WORD Christchurch Festival 2024.

Share your snapshot of Christchurch in 100 words and see your words displayed within a large-scale public artwork in Kettlewell Lane, as part of the Ōtautahi is Flash! project.

It could be a tiny poem, a memory, a statement, a wish or a story about the city – anything goes and anyone can enter.

“We’re all good at posting short quips and reckons on social media, so we’re encouraging everyone to take it to the next level and put their mark on a central city laneway,” says WORD Christchurch Programme Director Kiran Dass.

“Selected pieces will be up for a few months, and the writers will each receive a prize for their efforts.”

WORD Christchurch showcases the best writers from here and around the world each spring during their annual festival, but various free projects make sure everyone gets the chance to get creative during the festival too.

Last year a letter writing station proved popular at Tūranga, with hundreds of letters written by, and distributed to members of the public around the central city.

Submit your words on the WORD Christchurch website by 15 July.

See all the selected pieces brightening up The Crossing from late August all through spring.

Ōtautahi is Flash! is a collaboration between WORD Christchurch and At The Bay, with the support of The Crossing and Christchurch City Council.

WORD Christchurch takes place 27 August - 1 September 2024 at venues across the city. The programme will be launching at a public event on Wednesday 3 July at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. All welcome.