Image by Jemma Polari – Queensland Writers Centre

QPoetry was a wonderful couple of days of panels, pop up performances by all kinds of poets, including youth poets, the relaunch of Various Poetry Awards (due in September if you are interested), workshops, a poet in residence you could chat with in the foyer, reading Salons, and most of all conversations with new and old friends about – poetry.

Image by Phoenix Senhenn- Queensland Writers Centre.

In the opening panel we learnt more about the progress on the Poet Laureate, for Australia. There was conversation about what kind of poet this needs to be: which included a strong sentiment that it should be a successful poet, who now has time to give back to future and emerging poets and can strongly advocate for poetry and connect more of the population to it. A bonus would be that they initiate innovative projects to appeal to a diversity of people who may not currently connect with it as an inclusive and excellent art form.

Some felt the position should be a few years rather than one, so that the Poet Laureate could do something substantial. There was discussion concerning whether a poet should self nominate or strictly have to be nominated. The different kinds of poet laureate roles across England, New Zealand and America were discussed. All but 5 American States also have poet laureates!

Panelists were Martin Dolan, Vuong Pham, Mindy Gill and Ella Jeffery. Chaired by Yvette Holt.

(Thanks to FNAWN and The Queensland Writers Centre, Australian Poetry and all panelists).

Image by Phoenix Senhenn, Queensland Writers Centre. June Perkins with Yvette Holt, David Malouf and Lori-Jay Ellis in conversation in background.

Participating in the pop up was lots of fun. Poetry really has a place and provides a voice for everyone. Well done to all those brave souls who shared their work. Some were reading their work in public for the first time, others had done it many times before.

Image: June Perkins

I read my Poetry chapbook, 29/49 Bubu/Grandparents (which I was rapt to have accepted to a special collective project with 48 other poets) and ‘Diaspora’s Daughter.’ And then I enjoyed listening to poems from the rest of the reading team. There were, from my estimate 75 + poets who had opportunities to share their work.

Here are some other highlights from the weekend – which included Writers after Dark, A Horror Salon (Cross over with Genrecon) Electric Words. There were some powerful words, poetry that protested, unsettling stories, poems to make you laugh, and cry.

Thanks to all those who took time to have a yarn! I look forward to seeing you all next year. There was a beautiful welcoming vibe to QPoetry and a message from Sarah Holland-Batt read by CEO of the Writer’s Centre, Lori-Jay Ellis.

Featuring photographs from Phoenix Senhenn, Jemma Polari and June Perkins

A massive thank you to the Queensland Writers Centre, all the partners for QPoetry, and to the staff, volunteers and Board.

It was so enriching to see, hear, and exchange ideas about poetry and how to connect to more potential poets and the wider community. A widening of the circle of interest, an inclusive embrace of our world was apparent in the atmosphere.

Can’t wait to see what’s planned for next year.

You can find more of Jemma’s photography Here. I’ll add more to this when I have some time!