Inspired by Trent Dalton’s Love Stories and in celebration of the world-premiere production at Brisbane Festival, you’re invited to share tales of first, enduring, or lost love in a pop-up writing experience this spring.
Motivated by a personal moment of profound love and generosity, bestselling author — and one of Australia’s finest journalists — Trent Dalton spent two months in 2021 gathering stories on his sky-blue 1960s Olivetti typewriter, on a prominent street corner in Brisbane’s CBD.
Speaking to Australians from all walks of life, he asked them one simple thing: “Can you please tell me a love story?” What followed was Dalton’s unashamedly joyous collection of Love Stories.
Now it’s your turn to scribe your very own love story and immerse yourself in tales of happiness and heartbreak from across the city.
Join us in the Dome Gallery and prepare to Write your heart out every day in September. You can leave behind a love letter to be shared with the world, or seal it up and keep it a secret.
Love is truly in the air at Museum of Brisbane this spring.
MoB’s Artist in Residence program is supported by Tim Fairfax AC.
Write your heart out is supported through Brisbane Festival’s Giving Program by Ian & Cass George.
This collection was born from a remarkable one-day-only pop-up writing event, led by acclaimed author Trent Dalton and a group of 20 emerging writers.
In 2021, Trent captured the hearts of Brisbane by spending two months on a city street corner, armed with a 1960s Olivetti typewriter and a sign reading, “Sentimental writer collecting love stories.” His efforts culminated in Love Stories, a best-selling tribute to the city’s vibrant and complex relationships.
On Friday, 6 September, Trent returned to King George Square with the same trusty Olivetti to rekindle the magic where it all began. Together with a talented troupe of emerging writers, they spent the day listening, writing, and celebrating love in all its forms.
The stories and letters created during this special event now come together in this anthology—a heartfelt continuation of the love, connection, and creativity that Brisbane inspires.
You can now read these stories here:
