Big opportunities aren’t just for those peddling their pens in the big smoke.

Toolkits is a 12-week online program for creatives aged 30 and under to develop their skills, workshop, and connect with other writers. In 2024, we presented streams in Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Digital Storytelling, and Graphic Narratives.

Each course includes presentations from guest artists and industry experts, the opportunity to connect with and learn from an experienced mentor, and networking with other young writers/artists/producers. Participants contribute to a joint published outcome towards the end of the program (such as a zine, web gallery, or podcast series).

Writers met digitally as a group with their facilitator on Wednesdays, participating in tailored exercises and facilitated sessions designed to advance each individual’s proficiencies in the given craft. These meetings fostered community skill-sharing, encourage writers to develop a regular working practice, and opened a space to receive encouragement/guidance.

Throughout each season, Express Media presents two Toolkits: Live sessions, where each facilitator sits down with industry guests to discuss genre, industry, and tips for young creatives. These events are streamed for free to the public on Express Media’s YouTube channel.

Previous seasons of Toolkits have also included streams in Audio Storytelling, Regional Playwriting, and Performance Poetry.