Recognising the achievements of our Fellowship shortlist 2022

Each year, the Red Room Poetry Fellowship is awarded to a previously-commissioned poet to foster and enhance their poetic and professional development. Established to recognise and develop the achievements of contemporary Australian poets, the Fellowship supports the artistic growth of the individual as well as the wider community.

Congratulations to our Fellowship Shortlist for 2022. These poets are a vivid reflection of the incredible poetic talent in Australia today.

Statement from the Judges

The panel were frankly astounded by the strength of the applications received this year. The diversity, inventiveness and calibre of both proposals and accompanying poetry made the judging process extremely challenging.

The topics and themes engaged with in this year’s applications revealed the exceptional range of voices and perspectives within Australia’s poetic community. We were impressed with all the poets’ commitment to development of their practice.

The scores of the shortlisted poets were clustered – very few points separated the top twenty applicants. The shortlistees were selected for inventive proposals that included a clear and detailed articulation of their approach and process, alongside strong support material. Proposals that included some elaboration of workshop planning and demonstrated strong links to Red Room projects were also scored favourably.

The judges would like to thank Red Room Poetry for the honour of involving us in this wonderful initiative. To witness the passion, diversity, and vibrancy of Australia’s poetry community, especially in these harrowing times, has proved both inspiring and therapeutic. We thank you for the privilege of reading your work.

~ Charmaine Papertalk Green, Andy Jackson and Rachael Mead