Fostering Creativity and Community at the Libraries

Published on 23 May 2023

We are thrilled to celebrate the outcomes of Short Story Competition 2023 which concluded on 19 May 2023 with a well-attended awards night. This exciting event brought together 100 writers of all ages from Upper Hutt, creating a platform for literary talent to flourish and our community to connect through the art of storytelling. 

Writers were invited to share their imaginative tales and showcase their storytelling skills, contributing to the cultural enrichment of our community. Our judges had the difficult task of evaluating numerous exceptional submissions, and after careful consideration, winners were selected in each category. These talented individuals impressed the judges with their unique narratives, captivating characters, and vivid storytelling abilities. Their achievements not only reflect their individual talents but also highlight the creative potential that thrives within our community.

As the Short Story Writing Competition 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on the outcomes of the Short Story Competition and remind ourselves of the reasons why this platform continues to be important.

Promoting Literacy and Creative Expression

The Upper Hutt City Council's Arts, Culture, and Heritage Strategy plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth and development of our arts, culture, and heritage sectors for the benefit of our community's wellbeing. A key objective within the Strategy is to celebrate local people's unique and authentic experiences while safeguarding our distinctive stories. At the heart of every library lies a deep commitment to promoting literacy and nurturing a love for reading and writing. The Short Story Competition serves as a remarkable avenue to capture and protect these treasured narratives.  By encouraging budding writers to share their creative works, we play a vital role in fostering literacy skills and inspiring a lifelong passion for literature. The competition serves as a catalyst for imaginative thinking, enabling individuals to explore their creativity and express their unique voices through storytelling.

Building Community Connections

A thriving community is built on connections, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. The Short Story Competition at Upper Hutt Libraries creates a space where individuals with a passion for storytelling can come together, connecting with like-minded people who appreciate the power of words. It provides a platform for writers and readers to engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful connections. 

Supporting Local Talent and Encouraging Cultural Enrichment

Our community is brimming with talent, waiting to be discovered and celebrated. The Short Story Competition is a stepping stone for emerging writers, giving them the opportunity to showcase their work and gain recognition for their literary achievements. By supporting and promoting local talent, we hope to nurture a vibrant literary culture within our community, encouraging individuals to pursue their writing dreams and artistic expression.

Furthermore, the competition serves as a window to diverse perspectives and experiences. Through the power of storytelling, participants delve into different themes, cultures, and ideas, fostering cultural enrichment and understanding and encouraging a celebration of diversity within the community.

As we reflect upon the outcomes of the Short Story Competition, we celebrate the remarkable talents that emerged and express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took part in the competition. 

We once again extend our warmest congratulations to the winners of the Short Story Competition and commend all participants for their creative contributions. 

We look forward to even more submissions in next year’s Short Story Competition and do keep an eye out for our Poetry Competition which will open in July!

Click:

To read the winning entries and shortlisted entries

To read the Upper Hutt City Council's Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy