Each year, Arts Queensland funds a three-month poetry residency that is administered by Queensland Writers Centre. The program is in partnership with the Queensland Poetry Festival, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Art Brisbane and Brisbane Writers' Festival.
The program invites an international poet to live and work in Queensland, in order to build international collaboration and engagement with Queensland's literary, arts and cultural sector, collaborating on partnerships and projects that will result in a body of work.
2009 Poet-in-Resident
Acclaimed New Zealand poet, musician, producer and teacher of creative writing, Hinemoana Baker was the 2009 Arts Queensland Poet-in-Residence.
With a history steeped in Maori and Pakeha (non-Maori) culture, Hinemoana brought a powerful and sensitive, bi-lingual voice to Queensland, one that spoke of the deep connections with bloodlines and place.
Hinemoana's first poetry collection, mātuhi | needle (2004), was co-published in New Zealand by Victoria University Press and in the US by Perceval Press, the publishing house of actor and artist Viggo Mortensen.
Her first album, puāwai, was a finalist in the New Zealand Music Awards and the title track was a finalist for the Māori language category of the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll awards.
History of the program
Hinemoana Baker was the state's fifth Poet-in-Residence, following German poet Michael Hofmann. As the Arts Queensland Poet-in-Residence in 2008, Hofmann has authored five poetry collections and translated more than 50 books. His residency worked to inspire and connect Queensland audiences.
Previous poets in the program include Paul Durcan, Louise Wallwein and Jacqueline Turner. Each Poet-in-Residence creates a legacy of new work and forms creative partnerships that have a far-reaching impact on Queensland literature.
This program benefits Queensland writers and poets by opening up new links and partnerships for them with the international literary community. It is also a chance for international poets to play a part in Queensland's cultural activities such as the Queensland Poetry Festival, Brisbane Writers Festival, and activities at the Queensland Writers Centre.
The Arts Queensland Poet-in-Residence is administered by Queensland Writers Centre who proudly partner with Queensland Poetry Festival, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts and Brisbane Writers Festival to deliver the program.