QPoetry!

Queensland Writers Centre presents a celebration of the artform, and a homecoming for poetry to the Judith Wright Arts Centre. Welcome to a very special new event for 2024. QPoetry! is a celebration and a reimagining of poetry in Queensland. The program includes thought-provoking panels, interactive workshops and inclusive readings, plus the official launch of Queensland's renowned poetry awards, including the Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize, Val Vallis Award and XYZ Prize, supported by Arts Queensland, and the Oodgeroo Noonuccal Indigenous Poetry Prize, named in honour of one of our founding members. We invite all Queensland and Australian writers to explore with us what poetry looks like here, and where to next.

Friday 9th of August

AWARDS LAUNCH
6:00pm • with readings by Jarad Bruinstroop, Scott-Patrick Mitchell, Adam Brannigan & Madeleine Dale

Queensland Writers Centre is proud to officially launch Queensland's renowned suite of poetry awards, supported by Arts Queensland, and the Oodgeroo Noonuccal Indigenous Poetry Prize. This event will feature readings from last year’s award winners. Please join us for drinks in the foyer after the launch.

Saturday 10th of August

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS?
1:00pm • Panel • with Damen O'Brien, Jarad Bruinstroop, Huda the Goddess & Coco X Huang

It’s the question every writer dreads – where do you get your ideas? In this panel, three poets tackle the question head-on to explore the wellsprings of creativity and the sources of their inspiration.

THE THOMAS SHAPCOTT POETRY PRIZE
2:00pm • Panel • with Jarad Bruinstroop, Janaka Malwatta & Madeleine Dale

The Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize has launched the careers of Queensland poets for over twenty years. Join previous winners of the prize for a discussion of the Shapcott’s past, present, and future.

ELECTRIC WORDS: A POETIC SALON
4:00pm • with Jarad Bruinstroop, Coco X Huang, Janaka Malwatta, Scott-Patrick Mitchell, Omar Sakr & Huda the Goddess

Join award-winning QPoetry! artists for an electrifying evening of poetry and performance.

Book here.

Add-ons (ticketed separately)

YOUTH WRITING SATURDAY x QPOETRY 2024 (WRITERS AGED 10-20)
9:00am, Sat 10 Aug • with Rowan Campbell, Huda the Goddess & Omar Sakr

A series of interactive workshops on page poetry, slam poetry, and zines for young writers (ages 10-16 and 16-20). Book your place.