Kathleen Noonan has raised the question of Poet Laureate in her weekly ‘Last Word’ column in this Saturday’s Courier Mail (January 10, 2009).
This is a question, that I am sure will create much debate, as the role of Poet Laureate is seen by many as archaic, meaningless and a creative curse. In her article, Noonan quotes John Kinsella who states:
“A poet laureate for Australia? God forbid. It’s the edge of subversion that comes with the poet existing outside the status quo that makes poetry necessary.”
A good point and one that Noonan acknowledges, suggesting that the regressive, messy and vaudevillian, Michael Leunig might be able to step into the role and successfully walk the subversive tightrope.
This Lost Shark is certainly all for the promotion of poetry in the public arena, but for me the jury is undecided as to whether the best way of doing this is by appointing a Poet Laureate.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the issue, so have a look at the article and drop me a line:
Read the article here: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24875473-5012506,00.html
It sounds like a great job for a trained monkey.
a better question might be: does a poet need to be a laureate? or even: do poets need a laureate?
Like you Bruce, I am undecided…
interesting – don’t know if I like it, but it’s got me thinking. with new goals, it could be something
Would love to hear more about how you thinl the role could look Ashley. I definitely think that writing poems to commemorate certain events should NOT be part of the role…
For me, the jury is undecided too, Graham.
I think John Kinsella’s quote is marvellous – and rather like Kathleen Noonan’s:
“Bad poetry is like being whacked around the head with roadkill.”
Yeah, that quote made me smile too Michelle.
Hi Graham, I think the overseas experience suggests that Poet Laureate is a pretty outdated way of celebrating poetry in the community. The closest I’ve seen to a well-animated program where the laureate takes an active role in advocacy, audience development and promotion of national poetry is the Children’s Poet Laureate in the UK.
Kate.
hmmm, not sure I have anything great for an idea – but I agree – no commemorative stuff
but how about
funding and the power to dispense it? (not sure for what exactly, books, concerts?)
or a publication
or an ambassadorial role – where he/she promotes ALL australian writing – so she/he is actually funded to attend international events, publishers meetings etc
not sure where I’m going with this, but it’s nice to dream
Ashley, I completely agree there needs to be more support for Australian writers attending international events. I think we need an equivalent of the British Council to support more international touring by Australian poets, novelists and artists.
Totally agree Kate and Ash. Support for Australians to attend international events is something long overdue. The British Council is a great model and something that we could well aspire to. The New Zealand Book Council also supports writers each year to attend events in Australia and other countries in the Asia/Pacific region. So there are good models out there. I think the idea would be to take the New Zealand approach and focus on touring the Asia/Pacific region at first. Love the idea of this being a way to promote other poetry/literature as well. Each selected author could also take selections of other Australian work. Would be great for independent publishers to get their product into the international market. Lots to think about here…
Wow, it does sound great – and especially that you and Kate are already aware of existing models! Kate (and Graham) what else can you tell me about the two models mentioned? Perhaps some sort of collective (poets, small press and editors) should lobby or attempt to get some funding? Perhaps I’m thinking too big?
Just received this response from Trudie and wanted to post it here:
We are such a diverse nation, culturally and geographically. Our national identity is still in flux. How can we ask one voice to speak for us when we have so many beautiful things to say in so many ways?
Indigenous Australians have mapped our country in song why can’t we map it with poetry? Why have a Poet Laureate when we could have a rich and ever growing poetry bank mapping the shape, the growth and the texture of Australia?
Just a thought
Trudie
Hi Ashley. Check out these sites to find out more about the British Council and the NZ Book Council.
http://www.britishcouncil.org/arts-literature.htm
http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/index.html
I don”t think you are thinking too big at all… I think it is definitely something to consider!
Wow, that was just an awesome response from Trudie, I don’t think I could add anything else. Kate.
As usual I find myself on the wrong side of the question, Graham. I think an Australian Poet Laureate is a cool idea. Mostly just to raise the profile of poetry in the nation. And to provide a debate. There could be a ceremony with the PM, get in on the Tv and in the papers, create a bit of hoopla. Anyway, I have created a website to promote the idea…http://theaustralianpoetlaureate.wordpress.com/
I think it could work, but as always, feel that the process may fail. Look forward to seeing what you get up to over at the site.