Meitheal: Cultivating Community through Creative Writing

Meitheal (pronounced meh-hill) is an Irish word meaning "a working team" derived from a collective labor tradition in rural Ireland during which neighbors would come together to accomplish mutually beneficial work, such as harvesting crops.

Organized by the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, "Meitheal: Cultivating Community through Creative Writing" is a series of community readings and workshops that connects local writers with visiting Irish writers to develop work alongside one another. United by shared thematic or stylistic intersections in their work, and in collaboration with local community partners, each duo will co-lead a public writing workshop and live author reading.

Save the Dates

January at the St. Joe County Public Library Main Branch

• • • Wednesday, January 20, 6 - 7:30pm: Writing Workshop
    • Thursday, January 21, 6pm: Live Reading

February with Indiana University South Bend English Department

• • • Wednesday, February 17, 6 - 7:30pm: Writing Workshop
    • Thursday, February 18, 6pm: Live Reading

March hosted by Poetry Interlude and Poetry Den

• • • Wednesday, March 17, 6 - 7:30pm: Writing Workshop
    • Thursday, March 18, 6pm: Live Reading

April at University of Notre Dame

• • • Wednesday, April 21, 6 - 7:30pm: Writing Workshop
    • Thursday, April 22, 6pm: Live Reading

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Credits

Notre Dame's Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies

The Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies is a research institute dedicated to the study and understanding of Irish culture—in Ireland and around the world—in all of its manifestations. Part of the Keough School of Global Affairs, the Institute advances integral human development through research, policy, and practice with a focus on the forces at work in Ireland today. The Institute's strengths have long been in history, language, and literature, and it is currently embarking on new initiatives in literature, art, and music.

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St. Joe County Public Library

The St. Joe County Public Library connects members of St. Joseph County’s diverse community to learning, resources, culture, and each other. Beginning in 1873 as a reading room downtown South Bend, the library has evolved to include 10 branches across St. Joseph County, a community learning center, and a public media studio.

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Indiana University South Bend and the Department of English

Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) is a comprehensive public university serving South Bend and the region. With nearly 100 degree options, students engage with community as they build credentials through internships, study abroad, and research opportunities.

IUSB’s Department of English prepares students for a broad range of careers with analytical thinking, personal expression, and the ability to read carefully and write clearly. Programs are designed to expand students' skills in English language and composition, written communication, and literature.

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Poetry Den

Led by poet and artist Pam Blair, the Poetry Den is a monthly gathering open to both poets and listeners that celebrates the common threads that connect us all through the spoken word. Blair begins each gathering with an open mic, offering a stage to anyone who wants to share, and each month brings a new featured artist with a fresh perspective and a captivating performance.

Discover the Poetry Den

 

Poetry Interlude

Led by poet Niko Hebron, the Poetry Interlude is a monthly workshop that welcomes poets to share their work and exchange feedback and support on their writing. Hebron began the Poetry Interlude with the aim to foster an accessible and inclusive space for creative discovery and dialogue. Poetry Interlude workshops are open for everyone to join, and no prior sign-up or experience is required.

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Funding & Support

This is a partner program of the 2027 Notre Dame Arts Biennial, supported with funding from the Notre Dame Arts Initiative.

This project is also made possible with funding from Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies. Venue and staffing support provided by St. Joe County Public Library, Indiana University South Bend’s Department of English, the Poetry Den, and Poetry Interlude.