UnRepresented:KL – Stories of Migration

The Workshop

In collaboration with UnRepresented:KL, Amnesty International Malaysia is running a 4-week writing workshop exploring themes of human rights, migration, and less heard (thus “unrepresented”) narratives.

We are on the lookout for both emerging and established writers of diverse backgrounds to join us on Saturdays from 4 June to 2 July 2022, with a final showcase in mid-July.

Based in the Klang Valley,the programme will be a mix of small group workshops (alternating between facilitated writing exercises and riff sessions) and talks by guest presenters who will help us explore the themes of UnRepresented, by helping us explore the city through their eyes, minds, and recent projects. The aim of the programme is to nurture writing that elevates the collective conscience.

Themes

Some of the questions we look to explore together include:

How does the experience of migration, citizenship, national identity, and ethnicity affect a person’s navigation of Kuala Lumpur? How is anti-migrant violence disguised, masked, and invisibilised? How do migrants retain memories of their homeland, origins, families, and history? What new worlds that affirm dignity and fulfil human rights for all can we help build as writers? We also explore the rising political xenophobia and racism against migrants and refugee in the wake of the pandemic, and how we, as writers, might resist it.

Schedule

The schedule is listed below and will be held in various locations in Klang Valley:

  • 4 June 2022: KL on-site workshop 3PM-8PM
  • 11 June 2022: KL on-site workshop 3PM-6PM
  • [18 June 2022: No session, break for writers to work on their pieces]
  • 25 June 2022: Writing/feedback workshop @ AIM office (PJ) 3PM-6PM
  • 2 July 2022: Writing/feedback workshop @ AIM office (PJ) 3PM-6PM
  • 16/23 July 2022: Showcase 3PM-6PM

At the end of the programme, participants are expected to produce a piece of fiction or creative non-fiction piece on their chosen topic. A reading session to share their work with a wider audience is also in the pipeline.

How to Apply

We are on the lookout for both emerging and established writers of diverse backgrounds to join us. We are looking for writers willing to grow, challenge, expand and transform their own ideas and beliefs about migration. Writers who have experienced forced migration themselves are especially encouraged to apply. Writers must be above 18 years old and based in Klang Valley.

There is no cost for participating in this program. However, participants may incur lateral costs, such as transport or food. We aim to make finances as non-prohibitive as possible to being a part of UnRepresented, those in need can receive a small stipend to assist in their participation in the program.

To apply, please fill out the following Google Form by Sunday 22 May 2022, 11:59PM: