New York State Writers Institute

The Albany Film Festival hosts filmmakers and screens films that explore the craft of diverse storytelling in cinema, foster a deeper understanding of social justice and celebrate the human experience in all its dimensions.The festival includes in-depth panel discussions and how-to workshops with writers, screenwriters, filmmakers and film industry professionals, film critics and authors who have adapted their books into films. This year's Albany Film Festival takes place on 3/29.

Billy Collins is a former Poet Laureate of the United States and is the author of twelve collections of poetry. His latest is Water, Water: Poems. It is a collection of sixty new poems where Collins explores the subtle beauties and ironies of daily life.

Kendall Crolius is the author of "Knitting With Dog Hair: Better A Sweater From A Dog You Know and Love Than From A Sheep You'll Never Meet," an underground classic in America’s knitting community, first published in 1994 and newly-released this year in a 30th anniversary edition.Crolius will participate in a New York State Writers Institute event this afternoon.

The New York State Writers Institute is having their sixth "Telling the Truth in a Post Truth World" event today. Two panels will convene at Page Hall in Albany, New York "The future of the Democratic Party" at 5:30 p.m. and "The future of the Republican Party at 7 p.m." NBC's Chuck Todd will participate in the Democratic Party panel and he joins us.

In April 2023, Jane Curtin was our guest for the UAlbany Creative life series to discuss her life and work. You know her from "Third Rock from the Sun." You know her from "Kate & Allie." She won two Emmys for that. And of course, you know her as one of the original Not Ready for Primetime Players on the National Broadcasting Corporation's "Saturday Night Live."

The New York State Writers Institute’s season kicks off with Pulitzer Prize winner and National Book Award finalist Paul Harding this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. for a Craft Talk in the Campus Center West Boardroom and a Reading/Conversation at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall at the UAlbany Performing Arts Center.

The New York State Writer’s Institute is back in action for the Spring semester, featuring a diverse collection of contemporary writers, and a series of classic films leading up to the 4th Annual Albany Film Festival.It’s the Writers Institute’s 41st year of acclaimed programming in 2024. And the kick-off event is this afternoon and tonight with Pulitzer Prize Winner Paul Harding who we will hear from later. In the meantime, we welcome Opalka Endowed Director of the NYSWI - Paul Grondahl.

In April 2023, Jane Curtin was our guest for the UAlbany Creative life series to discuss her life and work. You know her from "Third Rock from the Sun." You know her from "Kate & Allie." She won two Emmys for that. And of course, you know her as one of the original Not Ready for Primetime Players on the National Broadcasting Corporation's "Saturday Night Live."

The New York State Writers Institute’s Telling the Truth: 5th Edition Event this Friday will feature two panel discussions with major thinkers and journalists representing a variety of viewpoints about the present and future of our nation.

One of the most anticipated events of each autumn is the Albany Book Festival. The 6th Annual event happens on Saturday, September 23 at the University at Albany.The New York State Writers Institute event features conversations with authors, panel discussions, readings, book signings, a children’s room with authors and activities, a meet and greet with nearly 100 local authors, and an exhibitor floor.