Whether you’re learning to make your way in the world as a writer or you’re just up for fascinating talks and good times, make sure you catch at least one of these eye-opening events.
Time Out's top 5 picks of the Emerging Writers Festival
Opening Night: Speaking Truth to Power
The festival opens by championing those who can't always champion themselves, whose voices are silenced while the powerful fill the airways with lies and propaganda. Paola Balla, Vicki Couzens and Eugenia Flynn will speak at the opening night event, which is hosted by Izzy Roberts-Orr. It's free, but bookings are required. ACCA, 111 Sturt Street, Southbank 3006. Jun 19, 7pm. Free.
In this workshop, participants will look at a work from the NGV and write about it. Art historian and writer Nancy Langham-Hooper is hosting the workshop and will teach participants how to appreciate and write about visual art. NGV, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3006. Jun 21 & 23, 4pm. $30-$35.
This performance is part spoken word, part poetry, part music, part discussion and entirely captivating. Mama Alto, James Gales, Kiara Lindsay, Caitlin McGregor, Adalya Nash Hussein and Xanthea O’Connor will be performing. State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000. Jun 20, 7pm. $30-$35.
What will the world look like in 203 years? More specifically, what will the State Library look like then? Six emerging writers have created this sound installation about the far future of our famous landmark. Pop on some headphones and fly to the future. State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000. Jun 20-23. $10.
Think of this one as a sort of literary sex-ed. Six different writers (Alistair Baldwin, Gabriela Georges, Natasha Hertanto, Darlene Silva-Soberano and Eugene Yang) will talk about literature and how it has influenced their view of love. Loop Project Space and Bar, 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne 3000. Jun 27. Free.
Emerging Writers Festival (June 19-29) will run across various locations around Melbourne. Visit the website for the full program.