German poet named as Queensland's 2008 poet-in-residence
Published Tuesday, 18 March, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Arts Minister Rod Welford today announced an acclaimed German poet and translator as Queensland’s 2008 poet-in-residence.
Mr Welford said Michael Hofmann, from Freiburg, Germany, is the state’s fourth poet-in-residence, and will be based in Queensland from August to October.
“The poet-in-residence has become a celebrated fixture on the Queensland literary calendar,” Mr Welford said.
“This program has benefited 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 our own cultural activities. During his time here Mr Hofmann will have a key role at literary events including the Queensland Poetry Festival and the Brisbane Writers Festival, in addition to activities at the Queensland Writers Centre.”
Mr Welford said the Bligh Government provided $50,000 for the 2008 poet-in-residence program, which is administered by Queensland Writers Centre in partnership with the Queensland Poetry Festival, Brisbane Writers Festival and the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts.
Mr Hofmann, who lives in the UK and Florida, is a celebrated poet and translator of more than 50 works including works by Patrick Suskind, Berthold Brecht and Franz Kafta. His published collections of poetry include Nights in the Iron Hotel which won the Cholmondeley Award; Acrimony, which won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize; Corona, Corona and Approximately Nowhere. Mr Hofmann is a professor at the University of Florida where he is editing the Faber Book of 20th Century German Poetry and Rilke in English for Penguin.
Queensland Writers Centre chair Matt Foley led the selection committee, which also comprised Queensland Poetry Festival Director Julie Beveridge and Brisbane Writers Festival director Michael Campbell.
“We are truly privileged to have Mr Hofmann accept our invitation,” Mr Foley said.
"Previous poets-in-residence such as Jacqueline Turner from Canada and Paul Durcan from Ireland have inspired Queensland audiences and helped local poets forge links with the international poetry community.
“We anticipate that the poet-in-residence will create a legacy of new work and creative partnerships that will have a far-reaching impact on Queensland literature.”
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336
Mr Welford said Michael Hofmann, from Freiburg, Germany, is the state’s fourth poet-in-residence, and will be based in Queensland from August to October.
“The poet-in-residence has become a celebrated fixture on the Queensland literary calendar,” Mr Welford said.
“This program has benefited 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 our own cultural activities. During his time here Mr Hofmann will have a key role at literary events including the Queensland Poetry Festival and the Brisbane Writers Festival, in addition to activities at the Queensland Writers Centre.”
Mr Welford said the Bligh Government provided $50,000 for the 2008 poet-in-residence program, which is administered by Queensland Writers Centre in partnership with the Queensland Poetry Festival, Brisbane Writers Festival and the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts.
Mr Hofmann, who lives in the UK and Florida, is a celebrated poet and translator of more than 50 works including works by Patrick Suskind, Berthold Brecht and Franz Kafta. His published collections of poetry include Nights in the Iron Hotel which won the Cholmondeley Award; Acrimony, which won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize; Corona, Corona and Approximately Nowhere. Mr Hofmann is a professor at the University of Florida where he is editing the Faber Book of 20th Century German Poetry and Rilke in English for Penguin.
Queensland Writers Centre chair Matt Foley led the selection committee, which also comprised Queensland Poetry Festival Director Julie Beveridge and Brisbane Writers Festival director Michael Campbell.
“We are truly privileged to have Mr Hofmann accept our invitation,” Mr Foley said.
"Previous poets-in-residence such as Jacqueline Turner from Canada and Paul Durcan from Ireland have inspired Queensland audiences and helped local poets forge links with the international poetry community.
“We anticipate that the poet-in-residence will create a legacy of new work and creative partnerships that will have a far-reaching impact on Queensland literature.”
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336