Calling all poets to help reinvigorate regional poetry scene

Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens Libraries are joining forces in a bid to refresh the Hunter region’s poetry scene by offering a program of workshops and special events to both emerging and more experienced poets across the region.

The ‘Stand Up for Poetry’ program, led by Newcastle Libraries, is designed to promote a deeper appreciation of written and spoken word poetry by encouraging poetic expression, written and performance skills development.

The program will deliver skills development workshops and special events, as well as slam poetry town heats as part of the Australian Poetry Slam.

Four poets, one representing each Local Government Area, will be selected to contribute towards program planning and evaluation, in order to encourage community input into the development of the poetry program.

Each poet will contribute their ideas to develop the program by attending two meetings in June and the ‘Stand Up For Poetry’ program events will be delivered from July through to October 2021.

Applications are now open and close on Wednesday 26 May 2021.

To apply, visit Newcastle Libraries webpage.