Excerpt from Issue 13’s Director’s Cut.
With hindsight, this unpredictable path from planning a physical writers retreat (2017), to leaning into free online programming (2021) to becoming a hybrid that celebrates storytelling anywhere, anytime, serves as a metaphor for what 1455 is right now: like so many organizations and individuals, we’ve been obliged to adapt and stay nimble. I’ve learned to vibrate with what the world is telling us our direction could or should be; not unlike writing a novel now that I think about it.
All of which brings us to the key word that resonates throughout everything 1455 has done: Community with-a-capital-C. I remain convinced that both charity and community begin at home, and by home I mean myself: having a vision that attracts likeminded, generous, and creative people, then working to involve as many other human beings as possible; the goal to invite anyone who can share something or benefit from what we’re doing.
So, what’s next? It’s possible this endeavor could continue to evolve and grow in the right ways, or we might eventually face the reality that running an arts-oriented non-profit that doesn’t sell anything is never going to be feasible as a business proposition. For now, I intend to exist as comfortably as possible in this space where, as a writer, I’m both a supporter and participant in the so-called Literary Industry. I’ll also acknowledge, with concern, that this space—and arts in general—has become more of a zero-sum game—whether it’s the book publishing or music or movie industry, there are increasingly less risks taken or tolerated; funding and promotion generally goes to the established, and so much worthwhile creative output is getting lost in the margins. As I’ve opined many times during the last decade, it’s never been easier to get one’s work into the world, and it’s seldom been more difficult, considering all this competing product, to be noticed.
I see part of my life’s work helping champion voices that might otherwise remain unheard, while connecting communities in an increasingly bifurcated climate that creates barriers and isolation. A win for me is helping facilitate communication and connection amongst passionate people who might otherwise never engage with or discuss things they care about with people outside their bubble. What I’m saying is, we know these dislocations are a pressing sociopolitical issue, but they also pertain very much to the art world.
As such, I am proud to repeat that 1455’s mission is transparent as it is positive: we celebrate storytelling and connect communities, by any means possible. I think we’d all agree this has never been more critical, for our collective and individual well-being. Our commitment to keeping all our programming free is non-negotiable; this includes events like tonight, our annual Young Poets Contest, our monthly Author Series, our digitial e-zine Movable Type, our workshops, and public events.
There are many ways to assist 1455 with our mission: you can sign up for our newsletter, spread the word via your social channels, or get directly involved by introducing potential partners, sponsors, or donors. After five years I’m certain of one thing: if we remain for the community and by the community, this is the key to remaining inclusive, positive, and—with luck and your support—sustainable.
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Hear contributors from Issue No. 13 read and discuss their work. Video (and bios of each contributor) below.
CALLING ALL CREATIVES: Movable Type Issue 14 will explore the theme(s) of “Diversity & Beauty” and we welcome submissions of poetry, prose, memoir, essay, visual art, music, and interview. Send pieces (or questions) to me at sean@1455litarts.org with a Jan 31 deadline.
Holly Karapetkova, Poet Laureate of Arlngton County is the author of two books of poetry, Words We Might One Day Say, winner of the 2010 Washington Writers’ Publishing House Poetry Award, and Towline, winner of the 2016 Vern Rutsala Poetry Contest from Cloudbank Books. Her current manuscript projects, Still Life With White and Planter’s Wife grapple with the deep wounds left by our history of racism, slavery, and environmental destruction. She is also the author of over 20 books for children.
Kim B. Miller was crowned the First African American Prince William County Poet Laureate in 2020. She serves as a Motivational Speaker for Bard High School and Early College DC, a Teaching Artist at DC Commussion on the Arts and Humanities, and a Workshop Facilitator for University of California, Berkeley. She is the 2021 DMV Renaissance Award Winner “Haikuist” of the year. She also won 4th place in the Annual Writer’s Digest Contest for Non-rhyming poetry in 2021 and is the 2019 Southern Fried Haiku Champion.
Wayne David Hubbard is the author of Mobius: Meditations on Home, and his poems and essays have appeared in Button Poetry, The Good Men Project, and various literary journals. His latest collection, Death Throes of the Broken Clockwork Universe, is now available. Born and raised in New Jersey, he now lives in Virginia and works in aviation.
David Ebenbach is the author of nine books of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, including his new poetry collection What’s Left to Us by Evening (Orison Books). His books have won such awards as the Juniper Prize and the Drue Heinz Literature Prize, among others. He lives with his family in Washington, DC, where he teaches and supports graduate student and faculty teaching at Georgetown University.
Vicki Whicker, poet and art photographer, is a member of the Los Angeles Poets and Writers Collective and Bright Hill Press Poets. Her poetry has been published by Mo+th, 12 Los Angeles Poets, Big City Mantra, Literary Mama, and others. Her poetry and art photography are featured in the anthology Seeing Things, and her debut collection of poems Caught Before Flight was published by Woodland Arts Editions, all in 2020.
Kurt Mullen loves to help people speak better, sound better, and be more persuasive and more clear as entrepreneurs and artists. He helps with video presentations, book proposals, keynote speeches, investor pitches, toasts, and even eulogies, which are so often the most beautiful pieces of writing. Kurt is an award-winning storyteller, writer, teacher and speech trainer who tells stories at events in and around Boston whenever he can. Kurt lives in Newburyport, Mass., with his wife, Amy, and their dog, Daphne.
