July brings a slew of poetry happenings, literary talks and workshops to keep you inspired, discovering and writing. From established authors to up-and-comers and amateurs at your local, we’ve scoured our networks to bring you some of the best events happening in Sydney this month.
Tues 12 July – Writing Sydney with Walter Mason
Walter Mason talks with ‘Australia’s Queen of crime fiction’, Gabrielle Lord about her favourite places in Sydney and how they have influenced her work and writing at the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts from 12:30-1:30pm. FREE — Bookings essential
Wed 13 July – Literary Luncheon Meeting and Workshop
The Society of Women Writers of NSW host Felicity Pullman this July with a “Writing the Landscape, Setting the Scene” workshop. Popular author Ann Howard is presenting her new book You’ll Be Sorry! about the 24,000 women who joined up as Australian Women’s Army Servicewomen in World War ll and Lisa Berryman (HarperCollins) and Susanne Gervay discuss the author-publisher relationship, the obstacles and successes on the road to publication, the importance of editing and craft, and more. Bookings ESSENTIAL by 11th July. More information on the program available here
Thur 14th July – The National Art School Presents NAS NIGHTS: The Beat Generation
For one night only the NAS campus will transform into a haze of 1960s nostalgia, celebrating the style, spontaneous creativity and non-conformist ideologies which defined the bohemian sub-culture. Spoken-word tour de force and NSW Writers’ Centre tutor Miles Merrill brings his unique, word-based performance to NAS Gallery, referencing the great beat poets Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Join the Facebook event for the full program.
Tues 19 July – Greek Cafés & Milk Bars of Australia
Remember the Niagara, the Parthenon, the Astoria and the Paragon? Leonard Janiszewski revisits the Greek milk bars that used to be in almost every Australian town, illustrated with beautiful photographs by co-author Effie Alexakis that vividly bring to life the golden age of these well-loved icons. FREE & Open to the Public — No Booking Required. 12:30-1:30pm at The Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts
Tues 19 July – Fabulous Monster
Sydney’s favourite boozy storytelling night will once again see 10 storytellers perform fiction and nonfiction with 5 of these competing for a cash prize. They will spin a yarn, recite a poem or even performing a short play to win your heart and get that prize! July’s theme is GRIM. Limited tickets, so get in quick
Thurs 21 July – NSW Writers Centre Launch
The NSW Writers’ Centre is launching the July-December course program with a reboot of Weird Sydney at the fabulous new Double Bay Library from 6:00-8:00pm. Join Vanessa Berry Michael Wayne, Chris Mikul and Sydney curator Peter Doyle reveal secrets and oddities from Sydney’s distant and recent past. Expect door prizes and plenty of local weirdness, find out more here. Free – bookings essential. RSVP to events@nswwc.org.au
Sat 23 July – Word Travels Presents Desireé Dallagiacomo
Join multiple World Poetry Slam champion Desireé Dallagiacomo in an exclusive spoken word workshop and secret show. With over 2 million views on her YouTube channel there is a lot of interest in this raw and honest performer, so snap up your chance to get up close and personal with this writer on the rise. Tickets available here
Sun 24 July Poetry Sydney Event
Poetry Sydney will present award-winning poet, researcher and lecturer Toby Davidson and poet and researcher Paul McGee, 2.00 pm at the Brett Whiteley Studio. Free entry.
Wed 27 July RhiZomiC Poetry Presents…
2015 winner of Australian Poetry Journal’s Poem of the Year Andy Kissane and internationally published Robyn Rowland will perform upstairs at Mr Falcon’s from 7pm. Free entry. Find more info on Rhizomic, Andy and Robyn here
Wed 27th July Sparks: TOLD Storytelling Open Mic Night
A social justice organisation using the power of story to spark social change, Sparks hosts regular open mic storytelling nights at Lentil As Anything in Newtown from 7pm on the last Wednesday of every month. Share a story or come along to listen and enjoy the delicious fare on offer. Guidelines available here