Hub City Writers Project is a nonprofit literary organization headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States. Established in 1995, the organization conducts a range of activities designed to support writers and promote literary culture, including publishing books and a literary magazine, organizing readings and workshops, and providing community outreach programs.
Overview
Hub City Writers Project (HCWP) operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. Its stated mission is to “increase access to literary arts and to nurture a thriving literary culture in the Upstate South Carolina region.” The organization serves both emerging and established writers, with a particular emphasis on works that reflect the cultural and social experiences of the American South.
History
- 1995 – Founded as a grassroots writers‑collective in Spartanburg, then known as the Spartanburg Writers Project.
- 1999 – Incorporated as a nonprofit under the name Hub City Writers Project, referencing Spartanburg’s historic nickname “Hub City” due to its former role as a railroad hub.
- 2000s – Expanded programming to include an annual literary festival, school‑based writing workshops, and a small‑press publishing arm.
- 2010 – Launched the Hub City Review, a quarterly literary magazine featuring fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.
- 2015 – Initiated the “High School Creative Writing Competition,” a statewide contest aimed at secondary‑school students.
Programs and Activities
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Hub City Press | An independent imprint that publishes books of literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, often highlighting Southern voices. |
| Hub City Review | A peer‑reviewed literary magazine distributed both in print and digitally, featuring work by regional and national authors. |
| Reading Series | Regularly scheduled public readings and author talks held at local venues such as the Spartanburg Public Library and community centers. |
| Workshops and Classes | fee‑based and grant‑supported workshops covering craft, publishing, and literary criticism, open to writers of all ages. |
| Youth Outreach | Partnerships with schools and youth organizations to provide writing instruction, mentorship, and contests. |
Publications
HCWP’s publishing output includes:
- Books – Over 40 titles released through Hub City Press as of 2024, encompassing collections of poetry, short stories, memoirs, and literary nonfiction.
- Journal – Hub City Review maintains a quarterly release schedule, with circulation in both print (approximately 5,000 copies per issue) and online platforms.
Funding and Governance
The organization’s budget is derived from a combination of grant funding (e.g., from the National Endowment for the Arts and South Carolina Arts Commission), private donations, corporate sponsorships, and revenue from book sales and event tickets. Governance is provided by a board of directors comprised of local writers, educators, and business leaders; an executive director oversees day‑to‑day operations.
Community Impact
Hub City Writers Project is recognized within regional cultural networks for:
- Providing a platform for under‑represented Southern writers.
- Contributing to the literary economy of Upstate South Carolina through book sales and event tourism.
- Supporting literacy and creative expression in local schools through curriculum‑aligned programs.
See Also
- Literary nonprofit organizations in the United States
- Southern literature
- Small‑press publishing
References
(Information compiled from publicly available organizational reports, local news coverage, and the organization’s official website as of 2024.)