Stories for a Changing World: Reading, Making & Connection with Christina Riley, The Nature Library

A two-part online workshop of reading, making & connection with artist and writer Christina Riley, The Nature Library

How do stories help us make sense of the world in times of crisis? How can creative expression help us feel connected, empowered and heard? 

Join Christina Riley from The Nature Library for a two-part online programme exploring environmental storytelling through reading, conversation and making. 

Over two sessions, participants will come together to discuss literature inspired by themes of climate, ecology and imagination, before creating a handmade zine as a form of personal reflection and creative activism.

Session One: Reading Group & Discussion
Thursday 15 October, 6pm–7pm 

Inspired by the themes of Dear Earth, this welcoming reading group will explore how environmental writing can help us navigate the challenges of the permacrisis during what many have described as a “crisis of imagination”. 

Drawing on texts from The Nature Library by writers including Amitav Ghosh, Mary Oliver and Ursula K. Le Guin, you will read and discuss works that offer imaginative perspectives on environmental change, considering storytelling as a tool for understanding, resilience and hope.

No advanced knowledge of the reading material is necessary, but selected texts will be included in a participant pack and shared ahead of the session. 

Session Two: Bookmaking as Activism
Thursday 22 October, 6pm–7.30pm 

Words on paper have long been a powerful way to share ideas, build community and inspire change. 

In this practical workshop, Christina will introduce participants to the rich history of zine-making and its role in social and environmental activism. Participants will learn how to create their own handmade zine using a traditional three-hole pamphlet stitch binding technique, while reflecting on themes and ideas explored during the reading group. 

Building on the previous session, a selection of zines and artist books from The Nature Library collection will be shared as inspiration, and participants will be encouraged to use their zines as a space for storytelling, reflection, advocacy or creative experimentation. 

As part of the session, you will also have the opportunity to write a postcard inspired by the session. If you wish to, with the consent of other participants, you will be able to share these postcards with each other creating a small act of connection and exchange.

• Open to artists, makers and creative practitioners at any stage of their practice. 

• No previous bookbinding or bookmaking experience is required. 

• All participants will receive a free workshop kit by post containing printed reading materials for the reading group, pre-cut paper for zine-making, bookbinding needles and linen thread, glue and other making materials, and a postcard and postage stamp. 

• Everything will be prepared in advance, meaning no specialist tools or equipment are required to take part. 

• The workshop will take place online via Zoom. 

• Please make sure you can attend both sessions before booking. Sessions will not be recorded, with no opportunity to catch up.

• Attend both sessions to receive £15 back.

• If you have any access requirements, please let us know when booking. 

• Booking closes 5 October to allow sufficient time for workshop packs to be prepared and posted to participants. 

Tickets are £10 - that is equivalent to just £5.00 per session.

Spaces on this workshop are limited and so we ask you to only book if you are able to attend both sessions.

There is an additional £15 deposit payable alongside your tickets which will be refunded after you have taken part in both sessions. If you are no longer able to attend due to extenuating circumstances, please email us in advance.

This is a funded opportunity, with the value of each ticket is c.£85 per person.