The world premiere screening event for the Poetry + Video Project took place in Murwillumbah, Australia on 4 May. The event happened at The Garden Gallery, booking out a few days before the show. The live poets on the night, Matt Hetherington and Bronwen Manger, were marvellous. It was especially rewarding that they have both been involved in video poetry projects themselves, and were able to comment on this in the Q & A. The audience that arrived for the event was open, curious and engaged about a form that almost none had encountered before. We couldn't have asked for better. Here is a mini-doco we made of the event:
In other news, a Kathmandu screening will now be happening later in the year, with the exact date to be decided. Meanwhile, I have sent the program and promotional materials by USB to Ball State University in Indiana, for a screening there on 13 November. Starting 1 November, the program will also be exhibiting online as part of the huge global biennale of digital art and culture, The Wrong.
Other possible screening venues are in the process of discussion. Thanks to Maria Vella, Caroline Rumley and Fiona Lam for sending through leads on possible further venues. In other pleasing news, Jane Glennie has agreed to take on the role of UK Manager for the tour, and has very nearly secured an outstanding venue there.
The brochure for venues now includes information on how the tour logistically works. All the videos, stills and promotional materials are ready to be sent by USB stick anywhere in the world, at a moment's notice. Screening fees are entirely negotiable, and will be shared between the contributing artists. For independent groups with little or no budget, fees are waived. The main aim is to share widely the fabulous films in the program, and to expand awareness of the poetry video genre.
Please contact poetryvideoproject (at) gmail (dot) com to express interest in bringing the hour-long program to your location.
This is a revision of the article that appeared in Moving Poems Magazine, July 29, 2019.