The Australian Poetry Centre is a not-for-profit, incorporated association established to promote reading, writing and publishing activities associated with Australian poetry in all of its forms.
The APC, launched June 7, 2007, is funded by Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) and has grown out of the important work of Ron Pretty and the Poetry Australia Foundation.
'Glenfern', East St Kilda, Melbourne
Stop Press! Download the full program and booking form for the Australian Poetry Centre Regional Festival: Harmonic Threads here.
The objectives of the APC are to:
- strengthen the presence and profile of Australian poetry within Australia and overseas
- promote the writing, reading, and appreciation of poetry as an integral part of personal and community life
In furthering these objectives, the APC will:
- contribute to policy development in government, corporate, educational and community agencies
- support the publishing, distribution, marketing, and reviewing of poetry
- advance the writing of poetry and the better understanding of poetry in schools and universities, and also in the wider community
- establish networks and links between writers, readers, publishers, and poetry-related organisations in Australia and overseas
- present, participate in, or support forums such as websites, readings, festivals, conferences and journals
The APC will develop and provide products and services, such as:
- a national journal of high quality poetry, articles and reviews
- a comprehensive library of Australian poetry
- workshops and seminars
- poetry competition activities
- comprehensive website information and services
- educational and promotional materials
- support for reading tours by Australian and overseas poets
- support for small-press publishers, including co-operative marketing and distribution
Board
Chair
Professor Chris Wallace-Crabbe is a poet and essayist, also Professor Emeritus in the Australian Centre, University of Melbourne.
Deputy Chair
Dr Robyn Rowland AO has published 8 books; 5 of them poetry. Previously Professor of Social Inquiry at Deakin University, she was made an Officer in the Order of Australia for her contribution to higher education and women's health.
Provisional Treasurer & Managing Editor, Blue Dog: Australian Poetry
Grant Caldwell is a poet, novelist and short story writer. He is currently a lecturer in writing at the School of Creative Arts, University of Melbourne.
Secretary/Public Officer
Dr Lyn Hatherly is a poet who teaches literature and writing courses and has edited, reviewed and published poetry collections.
Committee Member
Pia Johnson is a visual artist, poet and arts publicist. She is a graduate of a Creative Arts Degree at the University of Melbourne, and has a Diploma in Modern Languages (Mandarin). Currently, Pia works at the Malthouse Theatre as the Media Assistant.
Committee Member
Dr Michelle Borzi completed a PhD on W.H. Auden's poetry in 2003. Michelle works as a sessional lecturer and tutor, and as Development Officer in the School of Culture and Communication at the University of Melbourne.
Committee Member
Adrian Snodgrass is a solicitor with the Fitzroy Legal Service and policy lawyer with the Saint Kilda Community Legal Centre.
Committee Member
Catherine Bateson is a poet and writer for children and young adults. She convened La Mama Poetica for ten years and has been involved in various poetry festivals over the years.
Consultant
Ron Pretty has been publishing his poetry for more than 30 years. Ron Pretty won the NSW Premier’s Special Prize for services to literature in 2001 and received an AM for services to Australian literature in 2002.
Staff
Director
Teresa Bell is a qualified director, actor, teacher and producer. She was previously Artistic Director of Playworks, a national script development organisation.
Office Manager
Dr Bridie McCarthy is a writer and researcher living in Melbourne. She completed her PhD in Literature at Deakin University in 2006, for which she wrote a comparative thesis on contemporary Australian and Latin American poetry.
Contact us
Opening Hours:
The Australian Poetry Centre is currently open Monday, Tuesday & Friday during business hours. We are also open on weekends by appointment.
Street Address:
Australian Poetry Centre
'Glenfern'
417 Inkerman Rd
East St Kilda
Victoria, Australia.
'Glenfern' is a National Trust of Australia (Victoria) property.
Postal Address:
PO Box 284
Balaclava 3183
Victoria, Australia.
Phone/fax:
+61 3 9527 4063
Email:
2007 will be a year of developing networks and consolidating funding for the new centre. We welcome your input.
Please contact us by email with your thoughts on how we can support Australian poetry.
Please note
This is a holding site only, the Australian Poetry Centre is developing an exciting website which will include:
- Education Resources for teachers and students
- Archives
- Members Poems
- Poetry News
- And much more
This website will be launched later this year along with the APC’s full program for 2008.
Watch this space.
Copyright Agency Limited - Encouraging Creativity
Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) is an Australian copyright management company whose role is to provide a bridge between creators and users of copyright material. CAL represents authors including poets, and newspaper, magazine and book publishers as their agent to license the copying of their works to the general community. CAL's role is to ensure fair payment to copyright owners and provide the community with easy access to published material. CAL is not-for-profit and owned by its members.
CAL has proudly supported the poetry centre through its philanthropic Cultural Fund. Through the Cultural Fund, CAL provides support to a large variety of projects, award programs and initiatives which aim to benefit CAL members, creators and the Australian cultural community at large.