The Kitchen – a series of free events in the Albert-Eden and the Whau areas – brings communities and writers together in neighbourhood kitchens to celebrate our relationship with food and stories.
Writer Renee Liang is at the helm of the project. “Food is central to all the cultures that call Tāmaki Makaurau home,” she explains. “The stories we tell around food are really about family, love, history and identity.”
The idea for The Kitchen grew out of an earlier initiative by local writer and foodie Renu Sikka, who brought together a group of women to cook together and share stories. Liang led writing exercises and marvelled at how the group gelled and became each other’s confidantes.
“It’s something we want to bring back, neighbours wandering next door for a chat and a cuppa,” says Hannah May Lee, one of the organisers.
“It’s a great project for the two local boards to support. We thank our arts brokers for finding this opportunity to build stronger communities,” says Peter Haynes, Chair, Albert-Eden Local Board.
Tracy Mulholland, Whau Local Board Chair, agrees. “This is a wonderful example of a community coming together and sharing experiences together that will resonate for years to come,” she says.
Writers confirmed so far to lead sessions include Rosetta Allan, Serie Barford, Albert Belz, Andra Jenkins, Anne Kennedy, Paula Morris, Sharad Paul, Vivienne Plumb, Ruby Porter, Michelle Powles and Ant Sang.
How does it work?
Participants are invited to bring a dish to share. The small group sessions are attended by a writer who will encourage the telling and writing of stories. The kitchen sessions will be complemented by more traditional writing workshops. “As the icing on the cake, we want people to share their stories and recipes with the community,” says Makyla Curtis, who is leading design. Stories will be displayed on posters in shop windows and published in a free e-book.
Who can participate?
The Kitchen is open to anyone with a connection to the Albert-Eden and Whau local board areas, whether they live, work or play there, or have a past association. It welcomes everyone over the age of 15, and parents with babies are especially encouraged. No experience in writing is needed. There is a special call-out for anyone who would like to host a session in their kitchen. Further details and sign-up can be found at www.thekitchennz.wordpress.com.
The Kitchen is made possible with funding support from the Albert-Eden and Whau Local Boards. It will run from March to May with a poster celebration of the stories hitting local streets in June and the publication of a free e-book containing stories and recipes.
