Thinking Poetry

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Thinking Poetry

An opportunity for PhD candidates writing poetry to engage with a national research project (‘The Creative manoeuvre’) and participate in a master-class workshop.

Do we think in some particular way as we compose poetry? Or is it that we make ourselves the conduits of a thinking that is there in the world around us, along with its rhythms? Where is the thinking in poetry, and how does this relate to the desire to import drama, characterisation, voice, music?

Thinking Poetry is a node of ‘The Creative manoeuvre’, a research project led by Professor Kevin Brophy (University of Melbourne), Professor Jen Webb (University of Canberra) and Associate Professor Paul Magee (University of Canberra). The project, to be conducted over 2011-2015, seeks not so much answers as rather illuminations of the above questions.

Thinking Poetry will take the form of a full-day master-class on Friday, the 3rd of June 2011, to be held at the University of Melbourne. There will be a bursary to cover flights for interstate participants.

Participants will be invited to submit 2-3 pages of poetry, along with a brief (1/2 page) reflection on the creative decisions made during composition. All participants will read the work of others attendees, and these poems will be workshopped in the course of the day, in sessions led by Magee, Brophy and Webb.

Participants will be asked to respond to a questionnaire on the above themes prior to the day, and then to revisit those responses during the day and in its light. The master-class will culminate in an address and reading on the topic of Thinking Poetry by Emeritus Professor Chris Wallace Crabbe, author of 21 books of poetry, 6 books of literary criticism, and recipient of numerous prestigious literary awards.

To apply to take part in this event, please send 1 page of poetry and a brief expression of interest indicating the nature of your doctoral research (NB poets in disciplines outside of the creative arts are warmly encouraged to apply) to Anika.Quayle@canberra.edu.au by 31 March 2011.