Join us on a storytelling journey in North Bali
How do you, as a storyteller, stay sane in a chaotic world? How can you align all your senses in writing with your creative mind? What role does well-being play in your storytelling practice, and how do you make richer stories about complex issues? Explore decolonial theory, creative writing, mindfulness, poetry, and constructive storytelling with Sonia Piscayanti and Sanne Breimer. For writers, poets, journalists, content creators, and anyone interested in the Balinese culture and constructive storytelling.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
You will engage in workshops about creative and constructive writing, poetry, mindfulness in writing, and decolonial theory around Buda Kecapi (Healing of the Earth), this year’s Singaraja Literary Festival 2025 theme. You will also visit the festival and learn about Indonesian literature, theatre, and writing.
The program offers an in-depth experience to help you produce new stories based on the insights you gain. These stories will be collected in a zine published in English. Join a community of storytellers in the former Dutch colonial capital of Singaraja to explore Bali’s rich history and culture. Take this unique opportunity to participate in a program that brings together culture, history, and creative writing in the intellectual centre of Bali. Organized by Kadek Sonia Piscayanti of Komunitas Mahima and the Singaraja Literary Festival and Sanne Breimer of Inclusive Journalism.
Who can join?
You are a (fiction or non-fiction) writer, journalist, or content creator interested in Balinese culture. You are open to new perspectives and would like to develop your skills in storytelling and get practical tips on how to be well.
Programme (24 – 29 July, 2025)
Costs
Included:
- All classes in the program;
- 5 nights in a hotel with a swimming pool, near the beach in Lovina;
- Transport within the program;
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (all meals included);
- Access to the Singaraja Literary festival, the Gedong Kirtya Library and and the temple for the purification session.
Not included:
- Writing material (bring your own notebook or laptop);
- Transport from your place to Lovina/Singaraja and back;
- Insurance.
Supporter rate
Helps us fund others and support the Singaraja Literary Festival.
$950.00
Standard rate
Recommended minimum rate to cover costs.
$850.00
Community rate
Limited spots for those who need it.
$700.00
Purpose of the program
Writing for Bali aims to facilitate a safe space for storytellers to write with mindfulness and creativity. The program increases knowledge and awareness of Balinese culture, the position of women on the island, the influence of tourism, and environmental issues. You’ll get practical tips on creative writing, poetry, and constructive storytelling.
About
The week is organized by writer and founder of the Singaraja Literary Festival, Kadek Sonia Piscayanti, and journalist and founder of Inclusive Journalism, Sanne Breimer. With her husband, Sonia runs Komunitas Mahima, giving Balinese writers and theatre makers a platform and guiding them in their careers. Sonia is also an Assistant Professor at the Ganesha University of Education in Singaraja and is pursuing a PhD in mindfulness and poetry.
Sanne is the founder of Inclusive Journalism and works as a trainer and mentor in journalism. She organizes courses and retreats for journalists at the intersection of decolonial theory, constructive journalism, and well-being. She works as a consultant for organizations such as SembraMedia, Solutions Insights Lab (SIL), Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF), and European Journalism Center (EJC), and is an accredited Solutions Journalism and Complicating the Narrative trainer.
We can’t wait to welcome you TO Singaraja!
Contact
Do you have questions about the retreat? Reach out to Sonia and Sanne through this form!
Inclusive Journalism 
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