Omss Poems: Poetry Can Newsletter June 2011

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Poetry Can Newsletter

June 2011

Welcome to the June Poetry Can Newsletter.

I could no more wish for a life without music than I could wish for a life without breath...

The Poetry Can and St. George's are pleased to present an exhibition of poems that explore the relationship between music and poetry.

With poems by : Pameli Benham, Rachael Boast, David Briggs, Dalia Chowdhry, Gillie Harries, Shabana Kausar, Dorothy Lindsay, Bhavna Mistry & Adibah Iqbal, Pat Simmons, Aroona Smith, Katharine Towers, Cathy Wilson inspired by music and from those places music and poetry inhabit in all of us.

The poets in this exhibition all live in Bristol (with the exception of Katharine Towers, who will be reading with Rachael Boast and Douglas Dunn at Bristol Poetry Festival in September 2011).

This exhibition is running now, so come along to have a look.

The Poetry Can new website is now live at: www.poetrycan.co.uk

It is full of useful information and has a completely new look, however we are still uploading information to some sections of the site, so please be patient if what you are looking for isn't there yet.

In This Issue

Poem of the Month

Notices

Events - Bristol and Bath

Metonia Institute

Poem of the Month

The Art of Fugue

'Fugue must perform ... work with continuously
shifting melodic fragments that remain in the "tune"
sense perpetually unfinished.' - Glenn Gould

The violins pronounce their notes with care,

as if they are a question.

The flutes concur and answer in shy voices.

This is a beautiful subject. It bears repeating

by more solemn instruments, which yawn

and clamber to their feet: yes, they suppose they feel the same.

There's a sudden clamour of delight

that things could be so simple:

the clean white sail of a tune making everything good.

If they could find a way to make an end,

they would do it now, using their own words.

Katharine Towers

From The Floating Man by Katharine Towers,
published by Picador : Pan Macmillan, London,
Copyright © Katharine Towers, 2010

Notices

Poetry Can website - A to Z of poets.

The Poetry Can website now has an operating A to Z listing of poets. It is possible to add your name to the listing via the online form here.

However, on the new website, Poetry Can will now only be listing poets based in the South West who:

have been published (other than self-published)
have won poetry prizes or awards
have been a featured poet at two poetry or literature festivals (including open-air festivals)
if you are a performance poet you must have been booked as least twice by established promoters (eg Apples and Snakes)

If you fit these criteria please fill in the submission form as fully and up to date as possible and your listing will be added to the site. (It is not an automatic system so will take a few days to be checked and uploaded)

If you are already in the listing please check your entry and send any updated information to Poetry Can via the submission form.

Myslexia Women's Poetry Competition 2011

Deadline 18 July

Judge: Jo Shapcott

Mslexia Women's Poetry Competition is for poems of any length and on any subject by women writers.

Entry fee: £7 for up to three poems

For more information, and a detailed list of rules, visit www.mslexia.co.uk/poetrycompetition

Ffi: 0191 233 3860; poetry@mslexia.co.uk

Poetry Space Competition 2011

Poetry Space Limited is a company that is dedicated to promote and nurture creative expression without fear, judgment or prejudice.
In celebration of creative expression, Poetry Space is pleased to announce that the annual competition is now open for entries.
The theme this year is "Green Space," so they are seeking poems with an environmental theme, allusions to nature, growth and organic living.

Young Writers Catagory (12-16 yrs)
Judge: Moira Andrew
For full details on how to enter visit: www.poetryspace.co.uk

Adult Catagory (16 yrs and over)
Judge: Rose Flint
For full details on how to enter visit: www.poetryspace.co.uk

Boomfest - Weston-Super-Mare - seeking young poets

Friday 19th - Sunday 21st August 2011 Clarence Park, Weston-super-Mare.

Showcasing the very best of North Somerset's young talent.

Opportunities for children and young people

Applications from art projects, groups and organisations who work or support children and young people such as the Scouts, Guides, local community youth groups, drama and dance groups are encouraged to apply.

Festival organisers are also interested to receive applications from:

- professional companies who create work of exceptional quality for young audiences

- young people who live outside of North Somerset who believe they can offer work of an exceptionally high standard and thus can act as an inspiration to other young people

For more information visit www.boomsatsuma.com
The deadline for applications to be received by Boomfest is 5pm by Friday 10th June 2011.

Event organisers sought.

100 Thousand Poets for Change. 24th September 2011

So far 100 Thousand Poets for Change has 170 cities and 44 countries signed on to organize events, as part of a global initiative to

celebrate/demonstrate poetry and address issues of peace and sustainability.

The organiser is keen for events to be set up all over the globe.

There is an event page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106999432715571

and a blog/website for the event at www.bigbridge.org/100thousandpoetsforchange.

Narrative Poets sought

Ralph Hoyte is putting together a poetry event in St Andrews Park, Bishopston, Bristol on 10 July (afternoon only) and needs 2 more performers who are into 'narrative poetry' to do either their own (preferably) or other people's narrative poems. Being 'story poems' they would be expect to be about 15-20 minutes long.

If you are interested please contact Ralph at: ralphdhoyte@gmail.com

Flash 500 Humour Verse Competition

Entry fee: £3 for the first poem, then £2.50 for each poem thereafter

The closing date is 30th June.

Full details and how to enter can be found on the website: www.flash500.com/index_files/humourverse

Poetry School Summer Courses

A new series of fortnightly courses in various locations this summer.

A range of approaches, a choice of things to read, write and think -

and a great opportunity for some in-depth attention to your poems in progress.

rom only £35 per course.

Cambridge with Jane Monson & Andrea Porter. Push yourselves and your poems a little bit harder.

Exeter with Hannah Silva. Improve your writing and performing skills.

Liverpool with Eleanor Rees. Explore image and metaphor, risk the ridiculous and find something new.

Middlesbrough with Bob Beagrie & Andy Willoughby. Experiement with form and content.

Newcastle with Carolyn Jess Cooke. Develop your formal abilities through discussion and feedback.

Nottingham with Matthew Welton. Focus on your writing and develop a strategy for getting published.

Orchard Foundation

Creative Writing for Wellbeing Courses

Creative writing for wellbeing courses and training with Fiona Hamilton and Nigel Gibbons at Glenfall House Retreat and Conference Centre, Cheltenham, Gloucs.

For further details visit: www.orchardfoundation.co.uk

Weekend Residential Creative Wrting Course

Looe, Cornwall

A course for those wanting to reawaken a love of language, explore the imagination and develop confidence as a writer.

Led by award winning writer Hannah Silva.

Course dates: 17/18/19 June

For full details visit: www.plymouthcourse.com

Mere Literary Festival - Biennial Poetry Competition

Deadline- July 4th 2011

Senior judge: Dr. Charles Bennet

For full details and an entry form visit: www.merelitfest.co.uk

The Lightship International Poetry Prize

Judge: Jackie Kay

Prize: £1,000

Deadline: 30 June 2011

Entry fee: £8.00

For previously unpublished poems up to 200 words.
Open competition. One poem per entry fee. No restriction on the number of entries. Full details on website: www.lightshippublishing.co.uk

Spoken/Written Bulletin SW website

Spoken/Written Bulletin SW covers the entire southwest region and contains a wealth of
information about all things live and literary.

www.cartwheels-collective.co.uk/Spoken_Written_Bulletin.html

Professional Development Surgeries

The Poetry Can offers free professional development surgeries for poets in the region.
These will be available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

To book a surgery call Colin Brown, Director of Poetry Can,
on: (0117) 933 0900

The Poetry Can address

The Poetry Can

12 Great George Street,

Bristol,BS1 5RH

Tel: (0117) 933 0900

website: www.poetrycan.co.uk

e: info@poetrycan.co.uk

Events (chronological)

We would like to ask all events organisers to please update us whenever you can at:

info@poetrycan.co.uk or visit www.poetrycan.co.uk to submit your event to the website, and your event will be added to this newsletter.

Events listing as accurate as possible at time of publishing using information received.

Word of Mouth - The Thunderbolt, Bath Rd, Bristol

Date: Weds 1st June Time: 8.00pm Price: free

Launch of Tony D'Arpino's new collection The Floating Harbour

With readings from the book by Tony D'Arpino and music from Mike Scott.

Ffi: 0117 3738947

Bristol Can Openers - Central Library, College Breen, Bristol

Date: Thurs 2nd June Time: 12.00 Price: free

Featuring guest poet.

Plus open floor - bring your own work to share.

A time to listen to and chat with other poets.

Ffi: info@poetrycan.co.uk

Arts House Open Mic - The Arts House, 108a Stokes Croft, Bristol

Date: Thurs 2nd June Time: 8.30pm Price: Free

A poetry friendly unplugged open mic with alternating hosts Jeremy Toombs and Jules Landau.

Ffi: www.theartshouse.org

Surprised into Writing Workshop

Bristol Youth Hostel, Narrow Quay, Bristol

Date: Sat 4th June Time: 10am to 4pm Price: £53/£41(60+)/£35

The best poems surprise us when we're writing them. This workshop includes a series of writing exercises in response to a variety of contemporary poems. With Cliff Yates.

Ffi: 0207 5821679

Acoustic Night -Halo Cafe Bar, 141 Gloucester Rd, Bristol

Date: Mon 6th June Time: 8.15pm Price: Free (donations)

Bristol's longest running open mic poetry and music night.

Ffi: anditrans@hotmail.com

Facebook: Fans of acousticnightbristol

Poetry and a Pint - St James Wine Vaults, off Julian Rd, Bath

Date: Mon 6th June Time: 8.00pm Price: £2 / £1

Open poetry slots- bring your own poems to share

Plus special guests: Students from Bath Spa University with Tim Liardet

Ffi: Richard Carder: 01225 313531

Poetry Unlimited - Cafe Kino, Stokes Croft, Bristol

Date: Tues 7th June Time: 11.30am Price: Free
Bring a couple of poems to share, another poet's or your own.
Theme of the month: Parents
Ffi: mandd@gentlyblown.co.uk

Uni-verse celebrating international poets and poetry

- BRLSI, 16-18 Queens Square, Bath

Date: Weds 8th June Time: 1.00pm Price: £4 / £2

Featuring readings from Fleur Adcock and Alyson Hallett.

Soft drinks available, bring your own snacks.

Ffi: nikkibennett27@hotmail.com

Portcullis Poets - Eugenie House, 1-3 Royal York Crescent, Bristol

Date: Thurs 9th June Time: 8.00pm Price: Free or £1 towards wine

Open reading and discussion.

Optional theme: Dreams and Recollections

Bring your own poems or those of others, or just come to listen.

Ffi:jdms@hotmail.co.uk

Stand Up Poetry Series 2011 - BRLSI, Queen Square, Bath

Date: Thurs 9th June Time: 8.00pm Price: £7.50 / £5 concs

Michelle Boisseau reading as part of Bath Spa Universities Stand Up Series.

Ffi: standuppoetry@live.co.uk

Arts House Open Mic - The Arts House, 108a Stokes Croft, Bristol

Date: Thurs 9th June Time: 8.30pm Price: Free

A poetry friendly unplugged open mic with alternating hosts Jeremy Toombs and Jules Landau.

Ffi: www.theartshouse.org

ASP Poetry Circle -Broadlands School, Keynsham

Date: Thurs 16th June Time: 7.30pm Price: Free

Bring a couple of poems to share, another poet's or your own.

Theme: Weather or maybe Whether

Ffi: mandd@gentlyblown.co.uk

Arts House Open Mic - The Arts House, 108a Stokes Croft, Bristol

Date: Thurs 16th June Time: 8.30pm Price: Free

A poetry friendly unplugged open mic with alternating hosts Jeremy Toombs and Jules Landau.

Ffi: www.theartshouse.org

Writing, Drawing and Drawing Out the Creative Workshop

Bristol Central Library, College Green, Bristol

Date: Fri 17th June Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm Price: £15

No experience or previous creations required, just bring an image which has a significance you'd like to share. With John Hegley

(ticket price includes free entry to John Hegley event on 17th July)

Ffi: andrew.cox@bristol.gov.uk

Summer Celebration - Six Women Poets in Somerset

BRLSI, Queen Square, bath

Friday 17th June Time: 7 for 7.30pm

Rose Flint & Myra Schneider with Nikki Bennett, June Hall, Anne Stewart & Dilys Wood plus open mic

(come early to book in - 1 poem up to 40 lines)

Wine & Juice available (first drink free)

Saturday 18th June

Workshops, 10 am to 12:15 pm AND at 1:45 to 4 pm:

- Exploring Your Self Through Images, with Myra Schneider.

- Finding Our Lyric Voice, with Dilys Wood

and 12:30 to 1 pm - Why Sonnet? Talk with Q&A. Anne Stewart

Prices:

Both Workshops, Talk & Reading: £35 / £32(conc) / £30 (Second Light members)

Both Workshops & Talk only: £30 / £28 (conc., Second Light members)

One Workshop & Talk only: £16

Reading only: £6 / £5(conc) / £4 (Second Light members & family)

Download details and a booking form here

Ffi: Anne Stewart editor@poetrypf.co.uk Tel: 01689 811394

Acoustic Night -Halo Cafe Bar, 141 Gloucester Rd, Bristol

Date: Mon 20th June Time: 8.15pm Price: Free (donations)

Bristol's longest running open mic poetry and music night.

Ffi: anditrans@hotmail.com

Facebook: Fans of acousticnightbristol

Arts House Open Mic - The Arts House, 108a Stokes Croft, Bristol

Date: Thurs 23rd June Time: 8.30pm Price: Free

A poetry friendly unplugged open mic with alternating hosts Jeremy Toombs and Jules Landau.

Ffi: www.theartshouse.org

Word of Mouth - Bristol Old Vic, King St, Bristol, BS1 4ED

Date: Thurs 23rd June Time: 8.00pm Price: £8/£6 concs

Spoken word performances from some of the UK's most renowned poets hosted by Byron Vincent.

Featuring: Uri and Me by Nathan Penlington

plus Sally Jenkinson, Rembrandt Clarke and Al Cummins.

Ffi: www.bristololdvic.co.uk

Lansdown Poetry Night - The Lansdown, Clifton Rd, Bristol

Date: Tues 28th June Time: 8.00pm Price: Free

Round-the-table poetry and discussion group. All welcome to bring one or two of their own poems to read.

Ffi: charlesthompson8000@yahoo.co.uk

Arts House Open Mic - The Arts House, 108a Stokes Croft, Bristol
Date: Thurs 30th June Time: 8.30pm Price: Free
A poetry friendly unplugged open mic with alternating hosts Jeremy Toombs and Jules Landau.
Ffi: www.theartshouse.org

Please remember to check the Poetry Can website for further events news. The website is updated on a weekly basis.

Poetry Can is a poetry development agency based in Bristol UK.

Poetry Can believes that poetry has a unique power to explore and express the experiences of life: poetry affects everyone. Poetry Can sees its role as enabling and encouraging as many people as possible across communities to get involved in poetry activity, raising awareness and enjoyment of this powerful art form.

MSc in Creative Writing

for Theraputic Purposes

in Bristol

Metanoia Institute will launch this unique three year part-time MSc in October 2011 (validation with Middlesex University pending).
It will be taught at the CREATE Centre in Bristol's historic docks area.

Creative writing has emerged in recent years as an innovative way of engaging with a wide spectrum of the problems of living presented by therapy clients. This programme is designed to prepare students for the challenges and demands of working in this area.

It will be taught on Tuesdays for 24 weeks per academic year, plus 3 Saturdays in each of the first two years. Students undertake a research project in year three.

See www.metanoia.ac.uk/msccwtp for more details and an application form.

If you would like to be sent more information or to discuss the programme, please contact the Academic Coordinator, Mandy Kersey at Metanoia Institute on 020 8579 2505 (direct line) or email: mandy.kersey@metanoia.ac.uk

Links