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.
Feature Image: Press “It’s important to find your people. Don’t feel like you have to find this incredible producer or person who’s going to give you loads of money and change your life” says Lauerence Tratalos, one-half of the Northern duo responsible for Misper; a feature debut for director Harry Sheriff and script writer Tratalos….
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fuel Café Bar in Withington hosts the fifth stop of six-piece band Ignoring Izzy’s ‘Motorway Musk’ tour, following the release of their debut single. The room buzzes with the promise of chaos, and possibly a few flying vegetables. Opening the night is Manchester-based Leucotome, a witch-folk trio blending soft,…
Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Opening the night, Gabrielle eases the Co-op Live crowd into the spectacular night ahead. There’s no need for spectacle, her presence alone is enough with her deep vocals echoing around the arena. A performance rooted in control and feeling, each song reveals a different shade of her understated command. Operating…
Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes Formed in Belfast in 2019, Chalk have already made a name for themselves. From support slots for Fontaines D.C., IDLES and Sprints, to taking to the stage at SXSW earlier this year, the band’s growth has been rapid and shows no signs of stopping. Touring their debut album Crystalpunk,…
Leave a reply