The University of Colorado Writers' Conference originated from a Writers' Colony conducted at Indian Hills by a group of Denver writers and publishers. The first annual writers' conference was held at the University of Colorado in 1930. The function of the conference was to perpetuate the ideal of the Writers' Colony, and to utilize the Extension Division of the State University, and the educational interests of the state. The first conference began with two main purposes. The first goal was to establish an annual conference where professional writers could vacation and congregate in a pleasurable and profitable way. Second, the conference sought to give inspiration to writers through outdoor settings and local Colorado activities, such as hiking, exploration of mining towns, rodeos, and the view of the mountains. In addition to these two goals, the Writers' Conference was a teaching tool to amateur writers and students. These initial ideals did not change as the conference evolved over the years. The conference provided a series of workshops and lectures open to conferees and staff. The workshops were headed by authors, writers, and other professionals, such as publishers, to teach, evaluate, and aid aspiring writers. Some notable workshop staff (leaders) included Robert Frost (1931), James A. Michener (1949), Phyllis Whitney (1952), Marguerite Henry (1962), Allen Ginsberg (1975), and (Leroi Jones) Imamu Amiri Baraka (1975). The workshops covered a wide variety of subjects, such as novel, poetry, drama, television, and film.
From the description of University of Colorado Writers' Conference collection, 1930-1977. (Denver Public Library). WorldCat record id: 466906756
