The art of being singer Nick Cave, our upcoming writing workshop for gender-based violence survivors in Chicago, & more. | | | | |
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Musician Nick Cave, creator of the Red Hand Files at The Salt Shed in Chicago, 5/28/25. Photo: Kat Chairez | | | | |
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How do we heal from trauma? One story, and one song, at a time.
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At Center for Story & Witness (formerly The Voices and Faces Project) we know we cannot experience violence or dislocation without experiencing trauma. And trauma almost always walks hand in hand with grief.
No public figure has spoken as eloquently to the transformative experience of such grief as has singer, songwriter, and author Nick Cave. Cave, one of rock 'n' roll's most enduring artists, is these days equally well-known for The Red Hand Files, a digital dialogue through which he engages with a public seeking answers to questions about everyday life, loss, mourning, music, and faith. It's a dialogue that has never felt more necessary than it does today.
In their latest piece for NewCity Music, "Touched by The Spirit: Religiosity, rock 'n' roll, and the art of being Nick Cave," Center for Story & Witness co-founders Anne K. Ream and R. Clifton Spargo explore the ways Cave has contributed to our understanding of trauma, and the role that art and literature can play in helping us to heal from it. Read the piece, and let us know what you think.
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Our Center for Story & Witness writing workshop for refugee girls in Nairobi, Kenya. | | | | |
Our writing workshop for survivors of gender-based violence is coming to Chicago in July. Apply today! | | | | |
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Center for Story & Witness invites you to apply for The Stories We Tell, a two-day testimonial writing workshop developed to help those who have lived through or witnessed gender-based violence or other human rights violations use their voices, faces, and stories to call the public to greater compassion and — more importantly — social action.
Workshop participants will read and discuss testimonial writing across history and social movements, reflect on how to share their own stories, and engage in real-time writing exercises and free write sessions. With a focus on memoir, fiction, non-fiction and poetry, The Stories We Tell was created to support those who seek to use writing as a vehicle for personal or political change and is led by Center for Story & Witness co-founders R. Clifton Spargo and Anne K. Ream.
THE STORIES WE TELL:
A testimonial writing workshop for survivors and witnesses to gender-based violence.
July 12 & 13, 2025
Simmons Center for Global Chicago
Chicago, IL
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Aimee Bravo, Managing Director at Center for Story & Witness. | | | | |
Get to know our Center for Story & Witness team: Meet Aimee Bravo, our Managing Director. | | | | |
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A trained yoga instructor and outdoor enthusiast, Aimee Bravo works to create an organizational culture that is creative, inclusive, healing, and kind. A founding member of The Voices and Faces Project with a "step up wherever I'm needed" mindset, Aimee has been a part of our organization since its earliest days. Our very first volunteer – who went on to become a trusted board and staff member – Aimee is that rare creative person who is also a detail-oriented manager. Over the years she has been involved in virtually every aspect of our work. Put another way, Aimee does what it takes to turn innovative ideas into sustainable, community-relevant programs. Read more ...
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THE FUTURE ISN'T GOING TO WRITE ITSELF:
A conversation about story, social justice and the art of bearing witness with Center for Story & Witness leaders R. Clifton Spargo, Anne K. Ream and Jimmie Briggs, and moderator Jamia Wilson
May 22, 2025
Events @ Stone Park
Park Slope, Brooklyn NY
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A STORY CHANGES EVERYTHING:
Healing Ourselves & Transforming Our World Through the Power of Narrative. A conversation between actress and StoryFinder CEO Ivana de Maria; and author and Center for Story & Witness Founder Anne K. Ream.
June 6, 2025
World Without Exploitation National Convening
Washington, DC
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THE STORIES WE TELL:
A testimonial writing workshop for survivors of gender-based violence.
Co-led by Anne K. Ream and R. Clifton Spargo
July 12 & 13, 2025
Simmons Center for Global Chicago
Chicago, IL
September 13 & 14, 2025
The Jensen Project
Houston, TX
October 11 & 12, 2025
The Jackson School at Yale University
New Haven, CT
November 8 & 9, 2025
FreeFrom
Los Angeles, CA
Fall 2025
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Washington, DC
Fall/Winter 2025
New York City, NY
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ABOUT CENTER FOR STORY & WITNESS
At Center for Story & Witness (formerly The Voices and Faces Project) our mission is to cultivate and share stories that bear witness to gender-based violence and other social injustices in order to change minds, hearts, and public policies. Through our testimonial writing workshops, our narrative advocacy trainings, and our performances, publications and campaigns, we seek to create measurable social change through the power of narrative.
For 16 years, we have been awarded the America's Best Charities Seal of Excellence, a designation given to organizations that meet the highest standards of public accountability and program/cost effectiveness.
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