Join an apocalyptic poetry podcast 

Blurry trees_Glasgow to Oban_by Judy DarleyBedtime Stories For The End Of The World is a podcast series examining the power of myth in a time of political crisis.

As they near the launch of their second series in autumn 2019, they’re seeking 12 emerging poets to join the project.

The chosen rising stars will feature alongside leading poets Malika Booker, Andrew McMillan, Sabrina Mahfouz, Kei Miller, Helen Mort and Jack Underwood.

If selected, you will receive a £300 fee for the commission and for your time on the project.

You’ll be expected to write a five- to seven-minute poem or poem sequence based on a traditional story of your choosing.

As part of this opportunity, you’ll get to take part in a one-day workshop and one-day of recording with the lead artists.

There will also be the opportunity to write for the website, and to participate in readings to promote the project.

The workshops will take place on 1st and 2nd June 2019, and the recording on 27th and 28th July 2019. You will need to be free for at least one workshop date and one recording date.

The Bedtime Stories For The End Of The World team are based in London, but travel costs for writers outside of London are available. “We especially encourage applications from under-represented groups, including women, BAME people and LGBTQ+ writers.”

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 1st May 2019.

Find full details of how to apply here.

Apply to be Bristol’s City Poet

Clifton Suspension Bridge cr JDarley

Poets are invited to apply to become Bristol’s new City Poet.

Miles Chambers was appointed the first City Poet following his rendition of his specially composed work ‘Bristol, Bristol’ at the official swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Rees in May 2016.

If you live in and love Bristol, this could be the chance to rhapsodise about our hilly, creative, quirky metropolis. The winner will be required to compose 10 poems for specific events or projects and will take part in public performances and community engagement activities during Mayor Marvin Rees’ second term in office between May 2018 and May 2020.

The prestigious role of the City Poet is managed by Bristol Cultural Development Partnership as part of the Bristol Festival of Ideas in association with the Mayor’s Office. The City Poet is given an annual fee of £5,000 for the core poems.

Events that current City Poet Miles Chambers has performed at include the Mayor’s Annual State of the City Address in 2016 and 2017, the council’s Annual General Meeting and at a city twinning celebration, as well as appearing in a video for Bristol Energy.

“It’s fantastic that we can continue the post of City Poet, which has been filled by Miles Chambers over the past year,” says Marvin Rees. “Miles’ gift with words has enriched several important events in the city and I’m thankful to him for sharing his distinctive voice with us. I’m looking forward to being involved in the process of appointing a new City Poet and would encourage all poets who love this city to apply. Being the next City Poet is a huge opportunity and I can’t wait to read your submissions.”

Applicants should be experienced poets living in Bristol who already have work published in print and/or online. In addition to filling in an application form, you need to submit two poems (new works or ones already published) of up to 65 lines, one of which should have Bristol as its subject matter. You also need to include a personal statement of around 300 words expressing what you feel you would bring to the role.

The application deadline is Friday 1 December 2017. 

The decision will be made in January 2018 with a handover from the present City Poet Miles Chambers to the new city poet in May 2018.

Find out more and apply here.

Got an event, challenge, competition or call for submissions you’d like to draw my attention to? Send me an email at judydarley(at)iCloud(dot)com.