Motion Statement

Draft is a celebration of process. Readers are invited to try something new … anything they’ve always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity. This might involve simply reading new work, but it might also include writing in a genre they’re not known for, collaborating with another writer or someone from a different discipline, or incorporating elements from the other arts.

Every reading includes a wide range of emerging and established writers. The readings are fast paced, and very eclectic.

The Draft series upholds anti-oppression principles. That means acknowledging that people are treated differently in our society based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, varieties of ability, and age. We oppose discrimination on the basis of any of these factors. We acknowledge that the land on which we work and live has been the site of human activity for millennia, and that it has been — and continues to be — a site of genocide against Indigenous people. As presenters of stories, we strive to work responsibly, and ask all our writers to do the same: respecting and not appropriating the stories of others. We have a long way to go when it comes to making our readings accessible, but we are striving to constantly improve and welcome feedback.

Here’s a list of Who’s read at Draft to season 18

And, if you really want to be impressed, check out this work of art by our dear friend Rebecca Rosenblum, with additions by our dear collaborator, Rolf Meindl. It’s an alphabetical spreadsheet of all readings to date, and it’s stunning!

SUBMISSIONS:

Draft especially welcomes expressions of interest by writers who are Black, Indigenous, racialised, LGBTQI2S, or living with a disability. Our commitment to equity determines our choice of readers. We draw our readers from a combination of submissions and invitations; therefore, it may take a while to fit you in to a reading. Thank you for your patience and interest in the series.

Please read this document if you are interested in doing a reading at Draft.

Care to join our mailing list?  Send us an email at draftreadings@gmail.com.