Writer Dekker and researcher Driscoll encourage more-than-human engagements through language at sold out event.

On 11 April, writer Nikki Dekker and Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature at Utrecht University Kári Driscoll, led participants in a discussion on zoopoetics. Focusing on birding as a writing method, participants were encouraged to represent and foster more-than-human engagements through language.

The room was packed full. Among the participants were students, biologist and creative practitioners. The practical and theoretical session was followed by a birdwatching tour through Utrecht. The group spotted birds in the trees that grow at the foot of the Saint Martin’s Cathedral tower. From there they walked towards the Maliesingel, enjoying the beautiful sunny weather.

This was the second creative writing workshop “Nature’s Narratives”, co-organized by NEH’s Climate and the Imagination community and the International Literature Festival Utrecht ILFU. The next workshop will be held in May, with London-based writer Lucy Mercer and Layal Ftouni (Gender Studies, UU) . The event is sold-out, but do not hesitate to reach out to organizers Mia You (m.m.you@uu.nl) and Tom van Bunnik (t.vanbunnik@uu.nl) to see if any spots open up.