IRISH POET NAMED AS QUEENSLAND 2007 POET-IN-RESIDENCE

An acclaimed Irish poet has been selected from an international field as Queensland’s 2007 Poet-in-Residence.

Paul Durcan from Dublin will reside in Queensland as the 2007 Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts’ Poet-in-Residence from August to October this year.

Arts Minister, Rod Welford, said the Poet-in-Residence program has benefited Queensland writers and poets by opening up new links and partnerships with the international literary community.

“During his two-month residency, Mr Durcan will work closely with local writers and artists and will provide links between Queensland and Ireland,” Mr Welford said.

“He will play a key role in a number of Queensland literary events, including the Queensland Poetry Festival and the Brisbane Writers Festival, in addition to activities at the Queensland Writers Centre.”

Mr Durcan is an internationally-acclaimed poet and author of more than two dozen published collections of poetry, including A Snail in My Prime and Daddy, Daddy which won the The Whitbread Prize.

Queensland Writers Centre (QWC) Chair Matt Foley led the selection committee, which also comprised QWC CEO Kate Eltham, Queensland Poetry Festival Director Graham Nunn and Brisbane Writers Festival Director Michael Campbell.

“Paul Durcan is one of the world’s greatest living poets,” Mr Foley said.

“This is a real coup for Queensland. We anticipate the Poet in Residence will create a legacy of new work and creative partnerships that will have a long-reaching impact on Queensland literature.”

This year marks the third Poet-in-Residence program.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985