The Red Room is bringing the sweet poetic vibes, igniting a cultural renaissance during Poetry Month 2023!

Australia’s poetic landscape is undergoing a vibrant renaissance, and at the heart of this cultural awakening is Red Room Poetry, the country’s leading platform for commissioned poets.

With a passion for empowering new voices across the continent, Red Room Poetry is proud to announce the return of Poetry Month, a highly anticipated annual celebration that promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.

Now in its third year on the national calendar, Poetry Month takes place in August, captivating the public with its diverse, democratic, interactive and exciting offerings.

This poetry extravaganza has become the largest and most significant celebration of its kind in the country, showcasing the beauty and power of poetry in all its forms.

A poetic festival every day in August

Prepare to be wowed when Poetry Month introduces “30in30,” an extraordinary initiative offering a new poem every day throughout August.

These daily poetic reflections and prompts offer an opportunity for anyone to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of verse. Whether he is a seasoned poet or a first-time explorer of lyrical expression, these poems will inspire, challenge, and delight him.

As the heart of the celebration, the National Poetry Gala returns to Sydney Harbor for the second year. This event brings together a constellation of poetic luminaries, including Poetry Ambassadors, to weave a tapestry of words that will resonate long after the night is over. Amidst the bright lights of the port, souls will be stirred and hearts will soar as poetry weaves its magic into the hearts of attendees.

The Poetry Month Ambassadors are an illustrious group hailing from diverse backgrounds, each making their mark in the worlds of literature, acting, advocacy, and entertainment. These brilliant minds and talents come together to celebrate the art of poetry and share their unique perspectives through the written word.

This year’s esteemed ambassadors include:

Teela Reid – A Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer, essayist and storyteller, Teela is also co-founder of the @blackfulla_bookclub, enriching the literary landscape with her powerful voice.

Emilie Zoe Baker: A noted spoken word artist, Emilie joins forces with acclaimed screenwriter Marieke Hardy for an electrifying poetic collaboration.

Tara Moss and Berndt Sellheim: This husband and wife duo is a force to be reckoned with: Tara Moss, an acclaimed author and advocate for people with disabilities, partners with renowned poet Berndt Sellheim to create poetic magic.

Jennifer Wong: Known for her wit and charm, Jennifer is an ABC host and comedian who effortlessly infuses humor into her poetic expressions.

Chris Tse: As New Zealand’s current Poet Laureate, Chris brings his unique perspective and lyrical prowess to captivate audiences across borders.

Sean Choolburra: With a warm and engaging stage presence, Sean is a beloved First Nations comedian whose poetic voice resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.

L-Fresh the Lion – A talented hip-hop artist, L-Fresh adds a rhythmic flair to his poetic verses, captivating listeners with his lyrical finesse.

David Quirk: Known for his roles on the popular television series “Rosehaven” and his stand-up comedy, David adds his own unique brand of humor to the poetic mix.

Red Room Poetry Artistic Director Dr. Tamryn Bennett passionately asserts that poetry is one of the most powerful forms of art, capable of illuminating unexpected treasures and truths in all walks of life. Poetry Month is a celebration of language and the incredible power it holds, shining a light on new voices that might otherwise go unheard.

As August approaches, the nation looks forward to the poetry extravaganza that is Poetry Month 2023. From captivating performances and engaging workshops to soul-touching new poems, this celebration is set to set the hearts of poetry enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Let’s come together to delight in the magic of words and immerse ourselves in the limitless beauty of poetry. Poetry month looks forward to and promises to be a journey of inspiration, connection, and discovery like no other.

Check here the complete program of the event.