Poets Union

[zondrae]

Has anyone had any dealings with this mob? Just picked up a pamphlet at our "Breakfast" this morning. Looked up their website and they give the appearance of being the 'upper' class. All professors and  the like. Any comments?

[therese]

no zondrae, i've never heard of them.  are they for bush poetry or traditional english type poetry?

[zondrae]

..

As far as I know, they look like academics. This could mean they accept every style, or they may look down their noses as our prefered style. As I said, I looked at their website and the committee seem all to be uni professors and published authors. They have been established for some time but the member list looks small. Also I could not get into their page that is supposed to list competitions etc.

[manfredvijars]

Hi Zondrae, They are a legitimate organisation with Commonwealth funding.

here's something hosted annually by the Poet's Union that may be of interest to anyone living in NSW ....

_________________________________________
Call for Poets : Poets on Wheels 2007
Deadline: 30 April 2007

Give your poetic life a charge! Australia's best-known poetry touring project is up and running again, this time exploring Nth Coast NSW by train for a week starting 29 August 2007.

One of the previous poets says, "Irrespective of whether you're 'up-and-coming' or have just had your 30th book published, these tours are an invaluable once-in-a-lifetime experience. Go for it!"

The poets will be performing and running workshops in a range of venues from pubs to schools. You'll learn a lot, sell books, be enthused and exhausted as you meet new landscapes & communities.

Applicants will need to: *have some experience in reading and workshopping *be flexible *have or be prepared to get an ABN * be a member of the Poets Union (you can join at the same time you apply) * by Arts NSW funding guidelines, be a resident of NSW.

The Poets Union actively encourages diversity - of region, style, gender and professional development stage. Most of those previously chosen didn’t come from Sydney. You will be paid $875, have all NSW train travel ex Sydney plus "on tour" accommodation paid. This is a landmark experience for established poets & you play a vital mentoring role with your co-tourists.

The Poets Union particularly encourages poets who have not been on an earlier POW tour to apply but those who have been previously toured may apply again.

Please send a CV detailing relevant experience, along with five pages of sample poetry to:

Poets Union
P.O. Box 91
Balmain 2041

Applications must be received by 30th April. POW is sponsored by NSW Arts.

 

[zondrae]

Thanks Manfred.

I had read this bit, but was wondering if anyone had been in touch with them and what kind of reception 'bushies' got from them.

[manfredvijars]

... probably the same reception that 'Free-versers' would get from 'Bushies'.
Should we build some bridges?

Cheers,

Manfred.

[jim tonkin]

I have sent in all the required paper work and application to perform in the poetry show at the Judith Wright Performing Arts Complex [in Brisbane] during poetry week in September    we'll see what happens   Jim

[zondrae]

goodonya Jim,

I would be keen to know what happens and how you are recieved. Thanks for the feedback.