The Great Story Swap: Local Event Promising to Connect Students, Artists and Community Through the Power of Storytelling

Local event The Great Story Swap will celebrate the power of storytelling on Wednesday, February 21st, at 5 pm at Sam’s Pizzeria & Cantina. The purpose of this event is to unite students, artists, and residents of Windsor! 

Local entrepreneurs and organizers Layan Barakat and Lauryn Bodde encourage students to sign up as a duo, but guests can also come solo (at the event, individuals without a partner will get paired with another person). Then, each pair will be assigned another duo, and they will be required to create a brief story about their assigned duo’s connection using the story prompts provided at each table. Once the stories are complete, pairs will swap their stories with the people they were assigned to write about. 

Barakat and Bodde say they expect to welcome film and writing professionals from across the border, giving students the opportunity to connect with them. 

“We find it difficult to find literary, fun, creative, and accessible opportunities around Windsor where individuals can meet people and grow within the craft of writing and storytelling. So, we decided why not create our opportunities,” said Barakat and Bodde.  

The event costs $27.96 for one person and $49.26 for a pair. Both ticket prices include admission, materials, pizza and salad (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available), and a story prompt packet to take home!  

The President of Literary Arts Windsor, Wesley Foster, is actively promoting and supporting the event because the organization, known for their annual BookFest/Festival du Livre Windsor, hopes to see more events like this around the city. 

“I think it’s a great way to connect writers of all levels. It makes workshops more accessible. The atmosphere of the event space (Sam’s) is fun. It’s a great location for students, as it’s so close to the main campus. This gives a chance to workshop outside of the academic space, where you’re submitting creative writing for grades, and try something new,” said Foster. 

To get your tickets or know more about the event, visit the event’s Eventbrite page.