Australian Poetry is excited to be supporting the promotion of the Poetry Sydney Events Newsletter, with its current newsletter below. The newsletter is part of the Poetry Sydney website: poetrysydney.org Each month AP will promote a link to the Poetry Sydney newsletter. The Poetry Sydney online network supports poets and poetry communities in Sydney and New South Wales. To register for the weekly newsletter, featuring poetry readings, events and submissions, please email: mail@poetrysydney.org
Poetry Sydney : Poetry Newsletter
July 16 – 19: MOSAIC Exhibition. Mary Tang curates a multicultural exhibition in five languages of work by multilingual poets at MOSAIC Multicultural Centre in Chatswood. Free (weekdays), at the Foyer, Willoughby Council, 31 Victor Street, Chatswood, Sydney. Enquiries 9777 7952 or mosaic@willoughby.nsw.gov.au or see http://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/community/arts–culture/visual-arts/foyer-exhibition-space/2019-exhibition-calendar/mosaic-teacher–student-exhibition/
July 16 – 31: Muse @ Taronga Presented by Red Room Company. Exhibition of First Nations eco-inspired poets in a showcase of stories, poems and visual art, celebrating NAIDOC’s 2019 theme: Voice. Treaty. Truth. With featured poets Ali Cobby Eckermann and Joel Davison. Free with zoo entry, Taronga Zoo, Sydney. See: https://redroomcompany.org/projects/muse-taronga-2019/
July 17-19: Australian Poetry Slam Newcastle-Hunter Workshops and Heats. Workshops: Newcastle (July 17, 10am-12noon), Maitland (July 17, 4.30pm-6.30pm), Muswellbrook (July 18, 2pm-4pm), Scone (July 18, 10am-12noon), Wallsend (July 19, 10am-12noon). For free registration and details on poetry slam heats beginning in September, see: http://www.australianpoetryslam.com/newcastle-hunter
July 17: MoshPit Open Mic Night. Hosted by Hiske Music and Mosh Pit. Songs, jokes, poems, performance art, etc. 7.30pm-11pm; sign-up 7pm. MoshPit, 642A King Street, Erskineville, Sydney. Free entry. BYO instrument or use house guitar. See https://www.facebook.com/events/moshpit/moshpit-open-mic-night/2199338773680032/ or email moshpitopenmic@gmail.com. 18+ patrons only.
July 17: The Sydney Poetry Lounge. Guest Poets Lesley Synge and Mark Mordue, and Open Mic. 7.30pm-9.30pm; open sign-up from 6.30pm. Upstairs, The Friend in Hand Pub, 58 Cowper St, Glebe, Sydney. Entry: $10/$5 door. No lift access. Buses from Central, limited street parking, or at Broadway Shopping Centre. For more details, see https://www.facebook.com/thesydneypoetrylounge/
July 17: West Side Poetry Slam ft. Cassie Ross. Guest Poet and Open Mic, 6.30pm-9.30pm, 91B Grose St, North Parramatta, Sydney. Tickets $5-$10. Pay at event; sign-up 6.30pm, poetry start 7pm. For details re performance and random audience scoring, see https://www.facebook.com/events/2182193735334677/
July 18: Poets at the Petersham Bowl. Open mic soirée: poems, short stories, comedy, acoustic music. From 6.30pm-9.30pm. Free entry, sign-up on the night. Upstairs, Petersham Bowling Club, 77 Brighton St, Petersham, Sydney. 5 mins walk from Petersham Station. Details: Mark 041 005 4756/ Barry 043 2971710 or see https://www.facebook.com/events/471682090027755/?event_time_id=471682113361086
July 20: Launches. Includes LK Holt’s Birth Plan, Natalie Harkin’s Archival-Poetics, Peter Boyle’s Enfolded in the wings of a great darkness, Thom Sullivan’s Carte Blanche and presentation of the second Noel Rowe Poetry Award Collection. 2.30pm, Mothership Studios, 18-22 Sydney St, Marrickville, Sydney. MC: Luke Fischer. For details: https://www.facebook.com/events/2537009373192920/
July 21: Sunday Poems Hosted By Sappho-Poetry Forum for Queers. Poetry reading for the LGBTIQA Community. From 3pm, Croatian Wickham Sports Club Co-op Ltd, 20 Albert St, Wickham, NSW. For more details, see https://www.facebook.com/events/448625795958148/
July 22: Unspoken Words Poetry Book Club. 6.30pm-7.30pm, upstairs Better Read Than Dead Bookshop, 265 King Street, Newtown, Sydney. Selected book: The Lost Arabs by Omar Sakr; members’ book discount. Inclinator (elevator) access. Free; register via https://www.betterreadevents.com/events/unspoken-words-book-club-5 or contact Zachary Moore-Boyle/Emma Rose at unspokenwords.festival@gmail.com.
July 23: Narellan Poetry Slam feat. Lorin Elizabeth, with Open Slam. Harry Hartog Bookseller, 326 Camden Valley Way, Shop T201- 202, Narellan, NSW. 6.30pm-9pm (slam 7pm). 3 minute limit, original work, no props/costumes; can include singing & acapella but no background music. Judges selected randomly on night. Tickets $5. See: https://www.facebook.com/events/1527167550751322/
July 23: Youth Spoken Word Poetry Workshops. 3.30pm-5pm, hosted by SydWest Mt Druitt Office. Recurring event (until December 2019) will offer workshops on poetry, public speaking, presentation and English skills. See: https://business.cinyour.facebook.com/events/1082303755304439/?event_time_id=1082303788637769 or call Youth Transition Support Team 96216633 (Blacktown); 96250455 (Mt Druitt). Upcoming 2019 dates: July 30; August 6, 13, 20, 27.
July 24: Live Poets at Don Bank. Special Guest: Dirk Kruithof and his band, with Why Art is Good for the Brain and an Open Section. Don Bank Museum, 6 Napier St, North Sydney. Doors open 7.30 pm. $10 entry includes supper and drinks. Further information/bookings: phone (02) 9896 6956 or 0422 263 373 or email dannylivepoets@yahoo.com.au
July 24: Spoken Vibes: Spoken Word/Poetry Slam At The Louis Hotel. Hosted by Katherine Vavahea with live performances from PJ, Cholo Santana and more, plus open mic throughout the night. From 7pm, The Louis Hotel, 794 Paramatta Road, Lewisham, Sydney. Free entry. Transport: 3 mins walk from Lewisham Station. See https://www.facebook.com/events/360249507954887/
July 25: Enough Said Poetry Slam’s 7th Birthday. Hosted by Enough Said Poetry Slam and Society City, with Bunjalung poet Dakota Feirer. 7pm-9.30pm, 274-278 Crown St, Wollongong, NSW. Entry: $5/$10. Open mic sign-up: 6.30pm. Original work, 3 minute limit, no props or costumes. All ages venue, BYO food, drinks available nearby. See: https://www.facebook.com/events/895853317415098/
July 25: Poetry on Stage: La Compagnia delle Poete. Seminar by academics Alice Loda and Valentina Gosetti on translingual women poets based in Italy. 6pm-9pm, Istituto Italiano di Cultura Sydney, Level 4, 125 York St, Sydney. Free but register via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/poetry-on-stage-la-compagnia-delle-poete-a-seminar-by-alice-loda-and-valentina-gosetti-tickets-63627564759
July 25: Poets Corner Reading and Discussion Hosted by David Adès. Guest Poet Jennifer Compton will read and talk to the theme ‘On the Edge of Understanding’. 7pm, WestWords Centre For Writing, 91b Grose St, North Parramatta, Sydney. Free entry (bookings optional: email hajer@westwords.com.au). For more details see: https://www.westwords.com.au/projects/poets-corner/
July 27: Reading: Poetry, Politics & Belief. Friends of the late Rae Desmond Jones will read from his final collection, The End of The Line, with Les Wicks also reading from his latest book, Belief. 1.30pm-3.30pm, Ashfield Library, 260 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield, Sydney. Free but register via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/poetry-politics-belief-poems-by-rae-desmond-jones-les-wicks-tickets-61472371518
July 28: A Brush with Poetry @Cafe on Queen. Free open mic event with Guest Poet Jacqui Malins hosted by the Binalong Arts Group. Enjoy coffee, cake and conversation sprinkled with metaphors and sometimes music. 1.30 for 2pm, 15 Queen St, Binalong, NSW. Details: 0401 289 178 or http://www.binalongartsgroup.org.au/
July 28: Girls On Key Poetry Reading feat. Caitie White. 4pm-7pm, Society City, 274-278 Crown Street, Wollongong, NSW. With open mic section (5 min limit). $10/$8 concession, pay at event. Event start 4.15pm. Wine available by donation. See https://www.girlsonkey.com or https://www.facebook.com/events/877007229366338/
July 29: Flip the Script Free Youth Open Mic/Workshop Hosted by Bankstown Poetry Slam. 6.30pm-8pm, Bankstown Arts Centre, 5 Olympic Parade, Bankstown, Sydney. No judges, flexible time limits, safe space for under-26s. See https://www.facebook.com/events/493163031451356/ for event details. For BPS’s free writing feedback service, email: flipthescript@bankstownpoetryslam.com
July 30: Bankstown Poetry Slam feat. Michael Ting (USA). 6.45pm-9pm, Bankstown Arts Centre, 5 Olympic Parade, Bankstown, Sydney. Entry: under-14s free/$5, pay at event. 3 minute open mic slots, original work, no props music, judges selected randomly. See https://www.facebook.com/events/417648815503587/ or http://www.bankstownpoetryslam.com/events or info@bankstownpoetryslam.com
July 31: Local Library – An Evening of Poets With Girls on Key. Guest Poets Dimitra Harvey, Pip Sheehan, Phoebe Carter-Swain and Janette Hoppe. 6.30pm-9.30pm, Secret Book Stuff, Shop 3a, 110 Scott St, Newcastle, NSW. Tickets $10, pay at event. For more details see https://www.girlsonkey.com or https://www.facebook.com/events/890189884654200/
July 31: Poetica: Leonard Cohen Tribute With Open Mic. Bondi Bowling Club, 1 Warners Ave, North Bondi, Sydney. 6.30pm-10.30pm. Tickets: $15. Please email poeticabondi@gmail.com with your choice of song or poem. For more details see: https://www.facebook.com/events/2372758519449682/
August 1: Dispossessed: A Night of Decolonial Storytelling & Poetry. With Palestinian-American poet and activist Remi Kanazi, and more. 6:30pm-9pm, Bankstown Arts Centre, 5 Olympic Parade, Bankstown, NSW. Tickets available (cash or card) at door, free for First Nations. Hosted by Australian Friends of Palestine, supported by BDS Australia, Bankstown Youth Development Service, and Click, Ink. See: http://www.afopa.com.au/afopa-events/2019/8/1/sydney-poetry-storytelling
August 1: Evening Poetry at The Incinerator Hosted by the North Shore Poetry Project. With Guest Poets Paul Schimmel and Michael Harlow. 7pm dinner, 8pm readings, 2 Small St, Willoughby, Sydney. For costs, registration, menu list, pre-payment and contact details: https://www.northshorepoetryproject.com/poetry-nights
August 4: Poetry Sydney and Art Gallery of NSW presents The Brett Whiteley Readings. This month’s Guest Poet: Sydney-based Scottish writer Ali Whitelock. 2pm-3pm, Brett Whiteley Studio, 2 Raper Street, Surry Hills, Sydney. Free entry. Access via buses, walk Central Station, limited parking nearby. See https://poetrysydney.org/ or https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/calendar/poetry-sydney-2019/
August 6: Word In Hand Poetry Night at the Red Rattler. Guest Poets Anisa Nandaula, Lorin Elizabeth and Lizzy Jarrett, with open mic (5 min slots). Sign-up 7pm, 7.30pm start, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville, Sydney. Entry: $10/$15/$20. 3 minute limit. Access via Sydenham train station, buses, parking. For access requests, contact: info@wordinhand.com.au or see: wordinhand.com.au/upcoming
August 7: Girls on Key Monthly Sydney Poetry Reading feat. Miriam Hechtman and Devika Brendon. 6.30pm-8.30pm, 7pm start, Mama Rosy’s, 496 King Street, Newtown, Sydney. Limited open mic slots available; register early at event. Entry $10/$8 concession paid at door (mobile Eftpos available). See https://www.girlsonkey.com; https://www.facebook.com/events/1777850432251406/
August 7: Words Flow – Spoken Word Poetry Open Mic. Sign-up from 7pm for 8pm start, 10pm finish. Free entry, bucket donations encouraged. Hosted by Marty Bright (aka Howling Heart). Blue Fig Bar, 112 Enmore Road, Enmore, Sydney. Walk from Newtown station or via King St/Enmore Rd buses. More details, email info@bluefigbar.com.au or see https://www.facebook.com/events/658646181244757/
August 9: The Bush Music Club Monthly Open Mic. 2pm-4pm, Tritton Hall, Hut 44, Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville, Sydney. $5 or gold coin donation; focus on bush poetry, read own work/share a poem. See https://www.bushmusic.org.au/bmc_word_poetry.shtml or text only 0432 527 737
August 10: Fondue 002: Open Mic Reading Event. Writers are asked to respond to the selected painting by local artist, Natalie Synnott, for pieces to be read in under 5 minutes. 7pm-10pm, 168 Old Canterbury Rd, Summer Hill, Sydney. Free entry, BYO wine. For more details see https://www.facebook.com/events/486789692080975/ or facebook.com/fonduueee or email fonduueee@gmail.com
August 14: Heart Open August Sponsored by Hunter Writers Centre. A celebration of women and art in the Hunter Region, including open mic and panel. Entry: $5 donation. 6.30pm-9.30pm, The Wickham Park Hotel, 61 Maitland Rd (corner of Albert St), Islington, Newcastle, NSW. Ground level access; 4 minute walk from Hamilton Station. See: https://www.facebook.com/events/1371342859671022/
August 14: Poetica: A Night for Wordsmithing feat. Luka Lesson and Justine Wahlin. With Open Mic. 7pm-10pm, Bondi Bowling Club, 1 Warners Ave, North Bondi, Sydney. For tickets, see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetica-a-night-for-wordsmithing-feat-luka-lesson-justine-wahlin-tickets-63832641148?aff=erelexpmlt
August 15: Cuplet’s First Birthday Bash. Hosted by Cuplet Poetry Night and The Beaumont Hamilton. 7pm-9.30pm, 70 Beaumont St, Newcastle, NSW. Claire Albrecht hosts Guest Poets David Malouf, Omar Sakr, Anna Forsythe, Holly Isemonger, Sarah Pearce and Richard Tipping. See: https://www.cupletpoetry.com/
PAID POETRY SUBMISSIONS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
JULY (ongoing): The Big Issue Magazine. Poems up to 150 words for the ‘Streetsheet’ page from anyone who has experienced homelessness, marginalisation or disadvantage. Details: https://www.thebigissue.org.au/contribute/ or email editorial@bigissue.org.au
JULY 19 (closing, 5pm): The National Library of Australia 2020 Creative Arts Fellowships. Two $10,000 grants to support writers and artists accessing the Library for a project. See https://www.nla.gov.au/awards-and-grants/creative-fellowships or https://nla.smartygrants.com.au/2020creativearts
JULY 28 (closing): KSP Writers’ Centre 2020 Residency Program – Emerging Writers. Two residencies in the Perth Hills region, Western Australia, for existing and new KSP Centre members. For this and Next Gen Residencies (deadline: August 25), see https://www.kspwriterscentre.com/residency-program.
JULY 28 (closing): The Writer & Scientist Grant. Writing NSW and Create NSW-funded grant of $2000 to foster connection between writing and the STEM sector. For details on this and other grants, including Early Career Writers Grants: https://writingnsw.org.au/support/funding-opportunities/writing-nsw-grants/
JULY 29 (closing): Bundanon Trust Artist-In-Residence Grants 2020. Residencies for Australian and overseas writers to develop, research or create new work. For more details, see: https://bundanon.com.au/residencies/2020-residencies/
JULY 31 (closing): Newcastle Writers Festival 2020. Call for submissions from established or emerging writers interested in launching their books, hosting masterclasses and presentations, etc. For guidelines on how to apply, see: https://www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/call-for-submissions/.
JULY 31 (closing): Southerly Journal 80th Anniversary Edition. Newcomers and previously published contributors invited to submit on themes of legacies, cultural and literary elders, etc. https://southerly.submittable.com/submit
AUGUST 2 (closing): The Helen Ann Bell Poetry Bequest Award 2019. $7,000 cash prize and publication with Vagabond Press for a collection of poems (50-80 pages) by an Australian woman poet over the age of 18. For entry and thematic guidelines see https://slamsydney.submittable.com/submit.
AUGUST 9 (closing): WestWords-Varuna Residency. A six day residency for emerging writers from diverse backgrounds from Western Sydney. Includes mentorship and accommodation. See: https://www.westwords.com.au/projects/
AUGUST 18 (closing): Cordite Journal Issue 93: PEACH, with poetry guest-edited by George Mouratidis, Ling Toong and Lucy Van. Submit up to 3 poems (prose, comics, visual, concrete). See https://cordite.submittable.com/submit
AUGUST 31 (closing): Rabbit Journal. Call for up to 3 poems for Issue 29: Lineages, to be guest co-edited by Chi Tran and Matthew Hall. For more information on submission format, see: http://rabbitpoetry.com/?page_id=35.
SEPTEMBER 1 (closing): Poetry On Planes Anthology. 99 poets selected from around the world for a 2020 Irish-produced anthology. Emailed submissions, paid. See https://poetryonplanes.com/ for further details.
SEPTEMBER 10 (closing): The Ian Potter Cultural Trust Grants: Round 3, 2019. Grants up to $10,000 to help emerging and early career artists with international development opportunities. https://www.ianpotterculturaltrust.org.au/apply-for-a-grant/
And last but definitely not least ….
NO-FEE COMPETITIONS
AUGUST 13 (closing): The $18,000 Fair Australia Prize. Multiple categories, including poetry, members’ section and more. Poems up to 88 lines, with publication in Overland Journal 233. Free entry. For more details on themes and guidelines, see https://overland.org.au/fair-australia-prize-guidelines/.
AUGUST 26 (closing): Lane Cove Literary Awards 2019. Includes a $1,500 Poetry Prize for poems up to 50 lines and 1000 words for Australians over the age of 16. See www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/literaryawards for entry form and details.