Press Release - City of Stairways
June 23rd, 2010 by AdminFor Immediate Release
San Francisco, April 28, 2010
Media contact: Melissa Hung, 415-252-2546, melissa.hung@sfgov.org
WritersCorps Launches
CITY OF STAIRWAYS:
A Poet’s Field Guide to San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, 2010 – WritersCorps and the San Francisco Arts Commission are pleased to announce the publication of City of Stairways: A Poet’s Field Guide to San Francisco. This unique travel book about San Francisco was edited by writer Milta Ortiz and created by students in WritersCorps, a creative writing program for youth.
WritersCorps, a project of the San Francisco Arts Commission and the San Francisco Public Library, is a 16-year-old literary arts program that places professional writers in community settings to teach creative writing to youth. Since its inception in 1994, this award-winning program has helped more than 16,000 youth improve their literacy skills while developing their self-confidence and passion to learn.
City of Stairways doubles as a travel guide and literary anthology. It is the product of hundreds of hours of field trips, neighborhood treks, and class discussions in which youth explored the connection between writing and the larger urban landscape. With original artwork and photography, maps of seven San Francisco neighborhoods, and suggested walking routes, it allows long-time residents and visitors alike an intimate, off-the-beaten path look at local landmarks and secret spots.
“WritersCorps is a gem of a city program that develops young writers,” says San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom. “As you take in the poetry, sights and local treasures this book offers, let yourself be shepherded by one of San Francisco’s most vital resources: its young people.”
In keeping with the dimensions of the city, the book is 7 by 7 inches. It also includes anecdotes about San Francisco by local luminaries such as writers Daniel Handler and Lorna Dee Cervantes, San Francisco Giants pitcher Jonathan Sanchez, performer Paul Flores, and Craigslist.org founder Craig Newmark.
The book launch for City of Stairways will take place at Get Lost Books on July 15, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, and will include readings by the WritersCorps Apprentices, who wrote the book. The Apprentices range in age from 15 to 21 and are members of an advanced afterschool writing workshop.
“Their reflections will capture your imagination and prompt your curiosity about San Francisco,” says Luis R. Cancel, the city’s director of cultural affairs. “Whether it’s a ride on Muni or a look at the vivid artistic and cultural heritage of the Mission District, the Apprentices have captured the very heartbeat of the city in their own words.”
Funding for City of Stairways was a community effort. The costs of creating the book were largely supported by individual donors through the fundraising website Kickstarter.com. City of Stairways will be available in select stores and boutiques in July. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards free student programming at WritersCorps.
Calendar Listing – Events for City of Stairways
City of Stairways Summer Reading Series
Join the young authors of City of Stairways: A Poet’s Field Guide to San Francisco as they read from this new book about San Francisco. City of Stairways was written by students in WritersCorps, a creative writing program for youth. Part travel guide and part literary anthology, this 7×7 inch book is packed with original poetry, photography, artwork, maps, and tips on the places to see and be seen in San Francisco. City of Stairways offers an intimate look at some of the most memorable sites and neighborhoods in San Francisco, and gives residents and visitors alike a unique, vibrant perspective on being a youth in an urban environment.
July 15, 7-8 pm
Get Lost Books
1825 Market Street / Free
August 5, 7-8 pm
The Green Arcade
1680 Market Street / Free
August 26, 6-7 pm
Book Passage
1 Ferry Building, #42 / Free
September 23, 7-9 pm
Red Poppy Art House
2698 Folsom Street / $5 to $10
Book Details
City of Stairways: A Poet’s Field Guide to San Francisco
Written by the Students of WritersCorps, Edited by Milta Ortiz
Publication Date: July 1, 2010
Trade Paperback Original ISBN: 9781888048100, $14.95
Contact: Melissa Hung, WritersCorps, melissa.hung@sfgov.org, 415-252-4655
Distribution: Small Press Distribution, spd@spdbooks.org, 800-869-7553
About WritersCorps
WritersCorps, a joint project of the San Francisco Arts Commission and San Francisco Public Library, places professional writers in community settings to teach creative writing to youth. Since its inception in 1994, the program has helped more than 16,000 youth improve their literacy and increase their desire to learn. WritersCorps publishes award-winning publications and produces local and national events featuring young people. With sites in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and the Bronx, WritersCorps’ vision is to transform and strengthen individuals and communities using the written word.
WritersCorps gratefully acknowledges the support of the San Francisco Public Library, the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council; the Louis R. Lurie Foundation; Elks Lodge No. 169-Mission, and individuals.
About the San Francisco Arts Commission
The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is the City agency that champions the arts in San Francisco. We believe that a creative cultural environment is essential to the City’s well-being. Established by charter in 1932, SFAC programs integrate the arts into all aspects of City life. Programs include: Civic Art Collection, Civic Design Review, Community Arts & Education, Cultural Equity Grants, Public Art, SFAC Gallery, Street Artists Licensing, and the San Francisco Symphony Youth and Community Concert Series. The agency’s core values are committed to the principle that all residents have equal access to arts experiences in all disciplines, that programs are provided comprehensively and evenly throughout the City, and that they are innovative and of the highest quality.
