Vital Synz

Welcome to a new Poetry Society for Glasgow

STOP PRESS!
The Edwin Morgan International Poetry Competition is now being held in association with the
Edinburgh International Book Festival –
*Deadline extended to 2nd JUNE 2008*

Our aims are straightforward: to give Glasgow readers and audiences the opportunity to hear some of the best poets in the UK and from abroad and to put on a series of events that are entertaining and informative.

We will bring to Glasgow some of the best poets in the world and when they come they will read and answer questions about their work. Some will offer a workshop and tutorial session. Poets who have already said yes (and wished the venture well) include, Simon Armitage, Ciaran Carson, Jo Shapcott, WN Herbert, Andrew Greig, Ron Butlin, Colette Bryce, Vicki Feaver and Richard Price.

Members will also have the opportunity to workshop their own poems with three resident Glasgow poets. We are fortunate, in this respect, to be able to call on the skills of three of the city's best poets: Gerry Cambridge (Aves, Essence Press, 2007), Gerry McGrath (A to B, Carcanet, 2008) and Gerrie Fellows (Window for a Small Blue Child, Carcanet, 2008). The reading will also feature short recitals by invited local poets in membership of the Society.

We also take this opportunity to thank our other sponsors: the Department of English Studies, University of Strathclyde, The Tom Wright Memorial Trust, Glasgow City Council, Venture Connections and Waterstones.

Membership of the Glasgow Poetry Society

Beyond these readings, we will have themed events, programmes run in association with cultural partners in the fields of film, music, theatre, sport and the visual arts.

Examples of such initiatives: a Leonard Cohen night featuring rare film footage, readings, songs and a talk by an expert as well as Lennie 'floorspots'- a kind of Cohen ceilidh or supper, a poetry in film and film as poetry evening (or weekend, depending on that crucial funding!); a poetry in and from football event and sessions tied to the festive cues of the calendar, Valentine's Day, Christmas and so on.

Vital Synz is also the home of the Edwin Morgan International Poetry Competition 2008. With a first prize of £5000, this will be one of the richest poetry prizes in Europe. This year's judges are Richard Price (Lucky Day, Greenfields, Carcanet), Donny O'Rourke (The Waistband, Polygon, Poetry's Waiting Room, Spatlese Verlag Nurnberg) and Colette Bryce (The Full Indian Rope Trick, Picador).