Since 2021
The Seeds of Our Story
Our roots run deep in the DTES. We emerged from a grassroots collective of neighbours and writers, grounded in a simple but radical belief: that storytelling belongs to everyone.
What began with a small stack of 7/11 gift cards and a vision has, five years later, become a Festival offering over 35 unique events. Our work carries forward the neighbourhood’s enduring legacy of activism and artistic resilience.
The Festival is more than a series of events; it's a neighbourhood-wide effort supported by local partners who believe in the power of stories to heal and connect.
Removing barriers is core to our mission. All events are 100% free and held in venues that are welcoming to everyone.
The Team Behind the Words
The Downtown Eastside Writers Festival is guided by a volunteer committee of writers, neighbours, and community partners who help shape the program.
Organizing Committee Members
Gilles Cyrenne
Coordinator, DTES Writers Collective
Betsy Alkenbrack
Outreach Coordinator, DTES Literacy Roundtable
Emily Hunter
Community Development & Outreach, Capilano University
Lalia Fraser
Executive Director, DTES Heart of the City Festival
Paul Taylor
Editor, Carnegie Newsletter
Alexandra McDougall
Artistic Producer, DTES Heart of the City Festival
Nichole Lockwood
Community Activities Coordinator, Carnegie Community Centre
Namosh Reddy
Community Development & Outreach, Capilano University
Diane Wood
Artist in Resdience