Lao American Writers Summit

We're less than 3 weeks away from the 1st ever Lao American Writers Summit and there's still time to register! As you may or may not know, I have been actively partaking in what will be a historic event in our history as Lao American writers and artists from around the nation will gather for the first Lao American Writers Summit on August 13-15, 2010 at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. The event includes panel discussions, workshops and author readings. If you, or anyone you know might be interested in participating, please read on below and contact for further questions or information:

The grass-roots Lao American Writers Summit examines ways Lao American writers create and present work to transform their lives and their world. Confirmed summit participants include award-winning film-makers, writers and performers such as myself - Catzie Vilayphonh, Saymoukda Vongsay, playwright and author of “No Regrets,” and acclaimed poets Phayvanh Leukhamhan, Mali Phonpadith, Souvankham Thammavongsa, and of course my very good friend Bryan Thao Worra, who is responsible for bringing all this together.

Lao culture traces its artistic and literary roots to the 14th century. Modern Laos, a nation approximately the size of Great Britain, is home to over 60 ethnicities, each with their own linguistic traditions and customs. In the United States there are approximately 200,000 Lao who have resettled here since the wars of the 20th century.

In recent years, the Lao community in America has produced an Oscar-nominated film, several books and explored magazine production, blogging and the literary performing arts, identifying distinctive
challenges and opportunities for the modern artist. A free reading for the public is scheduled on the evening of Saturday, August 14th.

Discounts are available for students, teachers and elders. For more information about this literary event, email info@laowriters.org or visit the summit website at www.laowriters.org.