This year marks the 20th anniversary for the Queensland Poetry Festival and the 2016 edition Lost Language, Found has delivered a program like nothing ever before – the weekend-long celebration focuses on indigenous and first nation voices. There are more than 90 artists on the bill with an excess of 50 sessions to attend over the course of the festival.

QPF indigenous artists include the fabulous Steven Oliver (who’s show SINGLE has just sold out), Sam Wagan Watson (inaugural Indigenous Poet in Residence during the week of QPF), Ellen van Neerven, Natalie Harkin, Graham Akhurst, Melissa Lucashenko and Alison Whittaker.

As a whole, QPF is an independent festival and arts organisation. They exist to support, cultivate, and promote a lively and thriving poetry culture in Queensland. It is a community organisation made up of creative people who are passionate about inspiring, entertaining, challenging, and bringing poetry in all its forms to a widespread audience. They work with individuals, artists, schools, diverse cultural communities, and arts organisations to promote Queensland poets and poetry.

There are a whole bunch of free events to attend, as well as some that require bookings. Head to the Queensland Poetry Festival website to get the full program and see what you need to snap up tickets for.

Featured images:
Tracy K. Smith
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