Spoken Word SA

Spoken Word SA in partnership with Adelaide City Libraries are very pleased to announce our next Poet In Residence is Emelia Haskey who will be looking at the effects of COVID-19 on community and connection.

Emelia says, “As we slowly recover from the ravages of a global pandemic, it is important to acknowledge what keeps us connected when we are so far apart. I want to discover how we stay connected with our bodies, our loved ones, nature, and the world at large when we are required to stay distant. How does our relationship with our parents change when we can only visit them through the glass in a nursing home? When do we need to disconnect from the news or social media? Are we trying to keep moving or embracing time to rest? I will be creating a space to explore these issues and more through public workshops and a final presentation.”

Stay tined for dates and details of Emelia’s workshops and final presentation.

Applications are still open for the second residency. Click here for details.

We’re pleased to announce the Spoken Word SA Poet in Residence Program at the City Library in Rundle Place, Adelaide, will continue in 2021. 

Our first month long residency will take place beginning late March/Early April followed by a second residency in June. The Poet in Residence will be given 16 hours over their allocated month to work from a studio space provided within the library, and will additionally create at least one opportunity to present or perform their work. Chosen participants will be paid for their involvement. 

All ideas and applications are welcome. Poetry might be written, spoken, and/or expressed in another form. To get your brains thinking: facilities in the library can include access to internet, access to media lab (thinking audio recording?), projectors (2 projectors in one space!), pin-up and whiteboard walls (for spontaneous scribblings, or something interactive perhaps?).

Applications are open NOW. You can apply by one of the following options:

• Contacting Spoken Word SA for an application form by emailing saspokenword@gmail.com.
• Downloading guidelines and application forms here.
• Completing the on-line application form below.

Round 1 Applications for the March /April Residency close on 5pm Wednesday 17th April.

Please make sure you read the guidelines and selection criteria before making your application.

Overview of the program

A 16 hour Residency will take place during April and again in June at the City Library, Rundle Place, Adelaide (Level 3, entry off Francis St). Before applying, we encourage you to explore the space and facilities and see what our other residents have done with the opportunity in the past.

Each chosen resident will receive:

• 16 hours of studio space at the City Library over a period of six consecutive weeks (e.g. 4hrs a week for 4 consecutive weeks) during the library’s opening hours. Please ensure you are available for the full 16 hours. Note: The studio gives you a base but you are welcome to use the entire library in consultation with the Library Programs Staff.
• Residency will be promoted through the City of Adelaide and Spoken Word SA networks.

Poet In Residence Guidelines

• Present a public event in the library (e.g. performance, artist talk, workshop, exhibition,showcase).
• Family friendly content (PG rated – suitable for public space).
• Promotion of residency and any included event through the artist’s networks.
• Work with City Library to establish a schedule of hours and mutual agreement around useof space. The Poet in Residence will need to agree to abide by all City Library guidelines and policies to be outlined in an MOU.
• ABN required for payment. If you don’t have one, it’s quick and easy to obtain. More information available from Spoken Word SA.

Selection Criteria

• Incorporating some aspect of spoken word (open to all forms and interpretations).
• Engagement with the library community and patrons.
• Use of library facilities (e.g. catalogue, media lab, library spaces, History Hub, engagementwith patrons etc).
• Creation of new work. The library will require the production of new work to add to their digital collections. This could include writing, audio, video, photographs, etc.
• You are free to define and redefine poetry and the way libraries are used.
• An approach that requires new ways of thinking and engaging will be looked upon favourably.

The Spoken Word SA Poet in Residence Program is made possible through a partnership with the City of Adelaide and Adelaide Libraries. Spoken Word SA is responsible for administrating the program and can be contacted with any arising issues or questions. Please note that Spoken Word SA will process and recommend the applications but the City of Adelaide and Adelaide Libraries will make the final choice.

Here it finally is, poetry people! After all the closures and restrictions you can now experience live ‘For the Love of Adelaide‘. This event is a culmination of all the hard yards put in by Adelaide City Libraries Poet in Residence Deb Stewart and those who attended and interacted at her workshops.

Friday 30th October
6:00 to 7:00pm.

Adelaide City Libraries
Level 3 Rundle Place, Adelaide.

Free entry.