The Department of Culture invites writers to celebrate the New Year by giving voice to Bermuda's stories.
In recognition of the 15th Bermuda Biennial, the Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) is inviting writers to submit poetry for the first time. The Department of Culture is partnering with the BNG to hold a series of workshops for writers –whether fresh to poetry or accomplished poets– to create new works for the Biennial.
The Bermuda Biennial provides a unique cultural cornerstone for our contemporary artists and shines an international spotlight on our people, places, stories, and future. It is also a critical platform for our island's living artists and, with it, a celebration of thirty years of contemporary Bermuda art.
As part of the Department's Writer-in-Residence programme this year, writers, whether fresh to poetry or accomplished poets, are encouraged to participate in workshops to create new works for the Biennial.
Unlike the Department's previous Writer-in-Residence programmes, each workshop will be a stand-alone experience focusing on various topics, from generating new work to refining already written pieces. Writers are invited to participate based on their interests or needs.
Bermudian authors Dr. Chris Astwood, Dr. Paul Maddern, Andra Simons, Alan C. Smith and Yesha Townsend, will lead the workshops.
Virtual workshops will be held via ZOOM on Friday, January 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm with Yesha Townsend and Saturday, January 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 10 am to 12 pm with Alan C. Smith, Dr. Chris Astwood, Andra Simons and Dr. Paul Maddern.
Department of Culture encourages poetry writers of all ages to attend a virtual workshop and put to paper our past and conjure our future.
The Department is welcoming registrations on a rolling basis. You can register at https://bit.ly/bdawinr2021 or for more information contact Folklife Officer, Catherine Hay at cghay@gov.bm
The Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr Ernest Peets said, "This is a significant year for the Bermuda National Gallery. It marks thirty years since the opening of the gallery and forty years since its genesis, the Bermuda Fine Arts Act, was passed in Parliament. We are delighted to partner with BNG on this workshop and to encourage poetry submission. The theme for 2022 is A New Vocabulary: Past. Present. Future. Artists can submit up to 5 works across different mediums. Applications for the 15th Bermuda Biennial close on Monday, 31 January."