By Ben Thompson
First Draft, an art collective based in Manchester, has recently launched ‘Let The Artists In!’ in conjunction with support network The Writing Squad. The project, financially backed by Arts Council England, will offer three lucky poets the opportunity to be a poet in residence (a poet affiliated with a university or college).
Headed by the Manchester Writing School and the Manchester Poetry Library, this project will see three winners taking up a short residency at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Special Collections. Whilst there, they will have the chance to explore the materials featured within the extensive collection, and respond to materials within by either producing an artistic commission or hosting a creative writing workshop for the public.
The winners won’t be expected to know everything about being a poet in residence at the point of application. On offer through the programme is a day’s training under Malika Booker (Poet and Lecturer at Manchester Writing School), Louise Clennell (Education & Outreach Officer at Special Collections) and Dr. Martin Kratz (Manchester Poetry Library). This will teach them what they need to know about the duties of a poet in residence, which can involve anything from handling artefects to crafting creative responses to holdings in the collection.
To take part, students must submit an expression of interest, including a cover letter, CV and a sample of their work, by April 5th. Once the three winners are announced after a fortnight, training will take place on May 18th. From there, they’ll have a month to complete their chosen assignment.
Anybody interested in taking part should send their submission to poetrylibrary@mmu.ac.uk. Further information can be found via the MMU website.
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fcukers headline a sold-out show at Manchester’s New Century Hall, in support of their long-awaited debut album, ‘ö’. Opening the night are Sydney-based Sleepazoid, whose hazy, atmospheric sound offers a sharp contrast to the headliners’ explosive energy. Their set feels cinematic and dream-like, serving as both a striking opener…
Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Hailing from Manchester and playing a sold-out show at Manchester’s Lion’s Den, with an imminent EP on the way, aAh! speaks to Fred Farrell (vocals) and Danny Atherton (bass) of Dr Dr. Did you start the band during Covid times? Is that where it all originated? F: It was…
Featured image: Gary Walker Neo-blues soul artist Yellow Days, the stage name of Haslemere’s George van den Broek, returns to Manchester with his seventh album, Rock And A Hard Place, and a live show that proves just how far he has come. Before he steps out, London-based act Brian Nasty warms the room up nicely,…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch The Royston Club perform alongside Overpass and Permanent (Joy) at a sold-out O2 Victoria Warehouse. Welsh indie rock band The Royston Club, school friends who began playing together in 2017, now headline O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Touring second album Songs For The Spine, they generate an energetic sold-out…
Leave a reply