For 20 years, Torch Literary Arts has been supporting and uplifting Black women writers, creating opportunities for writers to develop their voices, share their work and find community.
Now, the Austin organization is celebrating another major milestone: the opening of the Torch Center, its first brick-and-mortar home.
And the new space isn’t just for Torch — Johnston says everyone is welcome.
Executive Director Amanda Johnston joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to celebrate 20 years of Torch Literary Arts and give viewers a look at everything happening at the new space.
Executive Director Amanda Johnston joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to celebrate 20 years of Torch Literary Arts and give viewers a look at everything happening at the new space.
The Torch Center has been years in the making, with the organization spending two years negotiating and working toward finding a permanent home.
“We want everyone to come in, experience the bookstore, experience co-working in the library, and of course, our events,” she said.
“It’s been a long time in the making,” Johnston said. “20 years of Torch and two years of negotiating, getting into the space. But we have our first brick-and-mortar home for Torch Literary Arts, the Torch Center.”
And the new space isn’t just for Torch — Johnston says everyone is welcome.
“It’s been a long time in the making,” Johnston said. “20 years of Torch and two years of negotiating, getting into the space. But we have our first brick-and-mortar home for Torch Literary Arts, the Torch Center.”
“We want everyone to come in, experience the bookstore, experience co-working in the library, and of course, our events,” she said.
“So for independent writers, for artists, for other nonprofits that are looking for an affordable space to host their events, now they have one at the Torch Center,” Johnston said.
The Torch Center is designed to serve as a community hub for independent writers, artists and other nonprofits looking for an affordable place to host events.
“So for independent writers, for artists, for other nonprofits that are looking for an affordable space to host their events, now they have one at the Torch Center,” Johnston said.
Torch is also opening registration for A Gathering of Flames, while writers can currently submit their work for consideration for Torch Magazine.
The opening celebration brought together members of Austin’s creative community, along with visitors from across Texas and beyond.
“We’ve got folks around the world who are seeing this Torch as a resource and a destination for people to come and engage with the work, to develop their voices,” Johnston said. “But whether they’re here locally or folks who join us from South Africa, Nigeria, the UK, all find community with Torch in-person and online.”
“So for independent writers, for artists, for other nonprofits that are looking for an affordable space to host their events, now they have one at the Torch Center,” Johnston said.
One of the ways that community continues to grow is through the Torch Writing Circle, which returns August 22.
One of the ways that community continues to grow is through the Torch Writing Circle, which returns August 22.
The free virtual writing session is open to BIPOC women and BIPOC non-binary writers and is designed to provide accountability and dedicated time to write.
“It is a great accountability space,” Johnston said. “It’s open for BIPOC women and BIPOC non-binary writers to join. It’s virtual and it is a writing time as well as the writing circle.”
Sometimes, Johnston says, simply setting aside the time to begin writing can be the hardest part.
“We give you a prompt that you can take or leave,” she said. “But no matter if you’re very emerging or an experienced writer trying to finish your novel — which has happened in the writing circle — you can join us.”
The programming continues August 25 with the Wildfire Reading Series, featuring author LaToya Watkins and presented with Black Pearl Books.
The programming continues August 25 with the Wildfire Reading Series, featuring author LaToya Watkins and presented with Black Pearl Books.
Watkins has been part of the Torch community for years, and the event will focus on her new book, The Book of Chuck.
“Of course, when they reached out, I said absolutely,” Johnston said of Black Pearl Books. “They’ve been a friend to us and have housed us at Black Pearl.”
Johnston will also be in conversation with Watkins during the event, with books available for purchase through Black Pearl Books.
Then, on August 26, Torch will host its fourth annual Carrying the Torch celebration.
Then, on August 26, Torch will host its fourth annual Carrying the Torch celebration.
This year’s event has an added significance because it will serve as Torch’s Juneteenth celebration after the organization’s original June event was delayed due to the opening of the Torch Center.
“In Austin, we can move the June event to August,” Johnston joked. “We’ve got Pride. We’ve got two days. Precedent has been set. But we had to delay with the delay of the opening of the Torch Center.”
“But just like Juneteenth, we might have been delayed but not deterred,” she added.
The celebration will feature local poets Queen Red and Layla Washington, with Johnston also joining them. Guests can enjoy poetry celebrating the contributions of African American writers in Texas, along with soul food catered by Masha’s Catering.
“You can’t get a better free event than that,” Johnston said. “Come hear some amazing poetry that celebrates the contributions of African-American writers here in Texas, get an incredible soul food meal and fellowship with your community.”
Torch is also opening registration for A Gathering of Flames, while writers can currently submit their work for consideration for Torch Magazine.
The publication offers writers an opportunity not only to see their work published, but to be paid for their contributions — another part of what Johnston says makes Torch special.
From a 20-year anniversary to a brand-new home and a full calendar of programming, Torch Literary Arts is entering a new chapter while staying rooted in its mission of building community and amplifying Black women’s voices.
Torch Literary Arts celebrates 20 years with new home and a packed month of programming
For more information about the Torch Center, upcoming events, writing opportunities and Torch Magazine submissions, visit torchliteraryarts.org.
For more information about the Torch Center, upcoming events, writing opportunities and Torch Magazine submissions, visit torchliteraryarts.org.