August is Poetry Month - a national celebration of Australian poetry
Launched in 2021 by Red Room Poetry, Poetry Month (1-31 August) aims to increase access, awareness and visibility of poetry in all its forms and for all audiences
This year sees the return of the National Poetry Month Gala amongst a raft of exciting new commissions, fresh ambassadors, state and territory showcases. There's also a range of accessible online events and live streams, workshops by international and Australian guest poets, writing prompts via our daily #30in30 comp, and our community calendar.
Stay tuned for the launch of our community calendar call-out, and full program launch in July.
Hit subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be part of the part of the action!
Submit your event to the Poetry Month Calendar
In recognition of the incredible range of poetic voices, communities, and curators across the continent, the Poetry Month Calendar warmly invites Australian arts organisations and community groups to share your August poetry events for possible inclusion.
Whether it’s a local open mic, a poetry picnic, or a First Nations storytelling event, we want to help celebrate and amplify the poetry already taking place in your community.
Submit your event by 5pm AEST, Tuesday 17 June 2025 to be considered for one of eight micro-grants.
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a song you can’t unsing
By Lucy Nortonsame colour as ruin
as in take them from home
as in run songline to dust
same colour as ochre -
Quilting the Armour
By Nam LeSun everywhere, and shadow. Swamplight, aquarium light
turning the far-off fields almost Kelly green, bullion-fringed.
Stitch of tracer gold. Crystallised moments you see, hear things clear:
the end, and past too. Shack, hill, horses, watertank, windmill — -
I Fell
By Heather MitchellI cannot say I knew him
nor did he know me
yet somehow in the silence
between the siren and the stillness
Get in touch
Poetry Month is constantly evolving. If you’d like to contact us in regards to possible partnerships or sponsorship – or how your organisation can be involved, please email us at poetrymonth@redroompoetry.org
Partners and Supporters
Poetry Month is made possible with the support of Mr Bret Walker AO SC, and our generous partners.
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Create NSW
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Oranges and Sardines
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Cultural Fund
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City of Sydney
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ABC
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Pantera Press
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City of Fremantle
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MONA
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State Library of Queensland
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State Library of NSW
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BWF (b&w)
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Red Dirt Festival
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CRN
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Readings
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TSR
