ArtSpring has opened registration for a three-day advanced storytelling workshop, giving residents of Salt Spring Island a chance to refine their craft with a professional mentor. The event, titled IGNITE, will take place from May 1 to May 3, 2026, at the community arts centre located at 100 Jackson Avenue.
The workshop is led by Deb Williams, an award-winning actor, playwright, and producer with over 40 years of experience. As the co-creator of the international hit play Mom’s the Word and the co-founder of The Flame—a popular storytelling event in Vancouver—Williams has coached more than 1,000 storytellers. This event marks a return to the island for Williams, who previously hosted a workshop at the venue in January 2024.
During the three-day session, participants will use the Flame: Your Voice Your Story methodology to explore personal narratives and develop projects ranging from plays and monologues to podcast content. The IGNITE workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The program is designed for advanced creators looking to push their creative boundaries in a small-group setting.
The workshop costs $180 plus GST. It will conclude with a public performance on May 3 at 7:30 p.m., providing an opportunity for the community to see the work developed during the sessions.
ArtSpring, which serves as a hub for the local arts community, was officially opened by artists Birgit and Robert Bateman in April 1999. The facility features a 265-seat theatre and continues to host hundreds of events annually, supporting the creative ecosystem that makes the Gulf Islands a destination for artists.
