World Poetry Day

Resources for World Poetry Day click here

A series of events and seminars focused on showcasing and sharing poetry to help celebrate World Poetry Day (21st March). The observance of World Poetry Day is also meant to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry, to restore a dialogue between poetry and the community so that the art of poetry will no longer be considered an outdated form of art, but one which enables society as a whole to regain and assert its identity.

Poetry reaffirms our common humanity by revealing to us that individuals, everywhere in the world, share the same questions and feelings. Poetry is the mainstay of oral tradition and, over centuries, can communicate the innermost values of diverse cultures.

In celebrating World Poetry Day, March 21, UNESCO recognizes the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind.

A decision to proclaim 21 March as World Poetry Day was adopted during UNESCO’s 30th session held in Paris in 1999.

One of the main objectives of the Day is to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities.

The observance of World Poetry Day is also meant to encourage a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and to support small publishers and create an attractive image of poetry in the media, so that the art of poetry will seen as an integral partner in creating community and celebrating inclusiveness and diversity.

World Poetry Day Celebrations 2022

Join us and bring a picnic to enjoy the launch of Colin Young’s inaugural book “Between Stations” between 4–6pm on Sunday 20 March at the Amphitheatre at Mattie Furphy House (Claire Copse, Swanbourne). This will be followed by a mega open microphone event.

The poems in Between Stations take us into the city, the landscape, the heart and the hidden world of the imagination. Here we encounter an array of characters who are on the greatest journey of all – life itself. Here, we protest against a heteronormative way of seeing the world and delve, heart-first, into the alchemy where friendship and love begin. 

Colin Young’s brilliant debut explores how common threads are woven together into a tapestry of humanity. What music is made between two strangers when they meet? How do people come to recognise they belong to the huge family of kindred and kin? 

The poetry of Between Stations captures the momentary flashes of light that beam between bodies in motion, bodies moving together, bodies falling in love.

Copies will be available for purchase at the special launch price of $20 (EFTPOS available).

As this is an outdoor event, please bring your own blanket/cushions/low backed chair, drinks and food.

Although this is a free event, we ask that you register to ensure that we do not exceed Covid requirements. To register, click here.