Lighthouse Writers Workshop

A nonprofit organization

Lighthouse is more than just a name; it embodies the essence of a safe haven, a guiding light, and a place of belonging. Our community has evolved, one word at a time, into a family of writers who illuminate the world with their stories.

By taking things one word at a time, we can:

Cultivate a community of writers, offering support and growth opportunities regardless of your location, without financial barriers. With the backing of thousands, Lighthouse provides over $100,000 in tuition assistance each year.

Ignite a passion for writing and reading in the next generation. Young minds can explore creative writing through our free arts programs in schools and community centers. They can continue their journey with summer camps and school-year writing groups, and even have the chance to be published in our annual youth anthology.

Amplify marginalized voices. Through initiatives like Writing in Color and Queer Creatives we are committed to empowering people of color, LGBTQIA+ writers, and Indigenous artists.

Write new chapters and healing narratives. Writing has the power to heal, and we provide free workshops to various communities, including those experiencing homelessness, cancer survivors, healthcare workers, veterans, and more. These workshops offer a space for self-expression and connection.

One word at a time, we're building a diverse and inclusive community that fosters creativity, supports emerging voices, and makes a positive impact on countless lives.

Mission

The mission of Lighthouse Writers Workshop is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education, support, and community for writers and readers in the Rocky Mountain Region and beyond. We strive to ensure that literature maintains its proper prominence in the culture, and that individuals achieve their fullest potential as artists and human beings.

Background Statement

Lighthouse Writers Workshop, founded in 1997 by two dedicated writers, emerged with a vision to provide a guiding light for individuals who shared a passion for writing. This initiative was sparked by a desire to foster a sense of community among writers, offering a space for collaboration, learning, and connection. The name "Lighthouse" was chosen to symbolize the safety, hope, and sense of homecoming it would bring to writers worldwide.

For over two decades, our organization has embarked on a journey of evolution and expansion, leaving an indelible mark across multiple locations in Denver. We've enriched our offerings, diversified our writers' community, and fostered the growth of countless literary talents. To date, we have proudly hosted 18 literary festivals, conducted numerous writing workshops, and mentored an array of instructors. Many of our writers have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the literary world.

Over twenty years ago, we embarked on a mission to nurture the writers of tomorrow through our Young Writers Program. This program makes writing an enjoyable and empowering experience while building essential storytelling and writing skills. Workshops are tailor-made to match students' interests and include drop-in academic support sessions, summer camps, and writing groups, with a special focus on LGBTQIA+ teens and young people of color.

Lighthouse has been an unwavering supporter of the community, collaborating with other nonprofits and arts organizations for over two decades. Our community engagement programs leverage the transformative power of creative writing to combat stress, stigmatization, and isolation, especially among underrepresented members facing poverty, trauma, or illness. In 2018, we introduced Writing in Color and Queer Creatives, furthering our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We aim to create a more representative and equitable writing community in Colorado through monthly mixers, workshops, fellowships, and retreats.

Last year we marked a significant milestone as we establish our permanent home in the vibrant Clayton neighborhood. This remarkable new chapter promises to foster an inclusive community while increasing the accessibility of the literary arts to individuals from across Colorado.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Lighthouse Writers Workshop

other names

Lighthouse

Year Established

1997

Tax id (EIN)

32-0102662

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

3844 York Street
Denver, CO 80205

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Boulder County, CO, US

Phone

303-297-1185

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