Explainer: What is 100 Story Building

In the heart of Footscray, a special organisation is transforming the way young people engage with storytelling and literacy. 100 Story Building is more than just a creative writing centre; it is a place of imagination, providing children and young people with opportunities to develop their literacy skills and confidence. Since its inception in 2009, the organisation has worked with over 50,000 young writers, fostering a love for storytelling through innovative programs and workshops.

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With a strong focus on children aged 5 to 18 who face socio-educational disadvantages or barriers to learning, 100 Story Building champions student agency, creativity, and community connection. Under the leadership of its new CEO, Lena Cirillo, the organisation is poised for an exciting new chapter, continuing its mission to empower young storytellers.

“We use innovative approaches to teach creative writing skills, ignite imaginations and support children and young people to be the heroes of their stories,” Cirillo, explains.

A global network of young writers

100 Story Building is part of the International Alliance of Youth Writing Centres, a network of creative hubs around the world dedicated to fostering literacy and self-expression. Inspired by the success of 826 Valencia in San Francisco, co-founders Lachlann Carter and Jenna Williams envisioned a similar space in Melbourne where young people could find their voice and develop their storytelling abilities.

By collaborating with international organisations that share a commitment to creative literacy, 100 Story Building ensures that young people have a platform where their stories are respected, published, and celebrated. This global perspective informs the organisation’s approach, making their programs both innovative and impactful.

Why creativity matters in education

At its core, 100 Story Building believes that access to arts education and creativity is a fundamental component of a child’s future success.

“We foster creativity in children and young people through a wide range of programs from our building, in schools and libraries working with teachers and students to reduce the barriers to creative literacy and through our consultancy work to drive child-centred practice,” explains Cirillo.

Research supports the idea that engagement with the arts enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Through storytelling, students learn to express themselves, explore new ideas, and develop a sense of agency in their learning.

The organisation’s approach is deeply collaborative, ensuring that young participants take an active role in shaping their storytelling experiences. Whether it’s through after-school workshops, immersive Story Hubs, or publishing programs, 100 Story Building nurtures curiosity and creativity in a way that is both engaging and meaningful.

“Our approach is to build agency in children and young people, who are always co-decision makers in our programs. We give a framework to our programs but children and young people drive them forward by deciding the themes, formats, creative processes or production pathways. We work hard to build long term relationships with young story makers.”

Programs designed for schools and young writers

100 Story Building offers a diverse range of programs tailored to primary and secondary school students across Victoria. Their after-school and school holiday workshops, held at their Footscray headquarters, provide a creative space for students to develop their storytelling skills through various formats, from podcasts to poetry.

“Guided by our expert facilitators, young writers have set off on mind-bending, time-twisting adventures. Their expeditions into the imagination have inspired comics, poems, rap songs, choose-your-own-adventure stories, podcasts, audio dramas and much more… with a consequent, demonstrated improvement in literacy skills, academic engagement, student agency, and school and community connectedness,” says Cirillo.

The Story Hubs program offers an exciting opportunity for schools. Students and teachers collaborate with local artists to design vibrant creative spaces within their schools. Now in its fifth year, the program has transformed learning environments in 11 schools across Melbourne and Geelong, with plans to expand further in regional Victoria.

“Last year, we celebrated the launch of a new Story Hub at Dinjerra Primary School. Teachers, students and some very special guests came to the unveiling of the new transformative ‘space forest’ in the school library. Best-selling local author, Alice Pung shared some inspiring words for the audience at her old primary school to launch the space.”

The flagship Early Harvest program gives students hands-on experience in publishing, allowing them to select stories, commission illustrations, and produce a professional book. This hands-on approach to publishing not only hones literacy skills but also builds confidence and leadership among young writers and gives them access to guest contributing authors such as Maxine Beneba Clarke, Andy Griffiths, Davina Bell and Andrew McDonald.

Tips for educators: Encouraging creativity in the classroom

For teachers looking to incorporate more creative storytelling into their classrooms, 100 Story Building offers practical strategies to make writing engaging and accessible. Simon Conlon, Program Manager offers the following suggestions:

• Embrace imperfection: Encourage students to write freely without worrying about making mistakes. Creativity thrives in a low-risk environment where ideas can flow without judgment.
• Model the process: Writing alongside students demonstrates that storytelling is a process of trial and error. By showing vulnerability and enthusiasm, educators can foster a supportive creative culture.
• Use storytelling games: Activities like ‘Exquisite Corpse’ (where students collaboratively create characters) and ‘Fortunately/Unfortunately’ (which explores problem-solving in storytelling) make writing fun and spontaneous.
• Access free resources: 100 Story Building provides a wealth of online resources for teachers looking for inspiration and classroom activities.

“The most important thing is that you model it in front of them, imperfectly, and you make mistakes as you do it! It shows them what creativity looks like: messy with a lot of trial and error, but more importantly it shows them that the world doesn’t end if you make a mistake, or ten – in fact, most of the time you can use the mistake to make your story richer.” Simon Conlon

From classroom to career: The impact of 100 Story Building

While some graduates of 100 Story Building have pursued creative writing in their secondary and post-schooling lives, the primary goal is to instill a lifelong appreciation for storytelling and creative expression in all children.

The skills gained through these programs extend beyond the classroom, equipping students with the confidence to navigate various career paths and life challenges.

In collaboration with publishing houses like Penguin Publishers, the organisation has facilitated work experience opportunities for students, helping them explore the publishing industry firsthand. However, the broader mission remains to inspire curiosity and empower students to see themselves as capable, creative thinkers.

“The benefits of arts-based learning, creativity and imagination follow you into whatever path you walk down in life, and our programs and principles open up the possibilities of learning,” says Cirillo.

“We are always looking for ways to engage with children and young people to remove barriers to their education and inspire creative critical thinkers of the next generation.”

To learn more about their programs or access their educator resources, visit 100 Story Building’s website.