On Thursday, 27 August, 17 International Women’s Forum Australia (IWFA) members, family, colleagues and friends came together at the State Library of NSW for an inspiring evening of poetry, performance and connection at Red Room Poetry’s annual National Poetry Month Gala.
Presented in the Auditorium of the State Library of NSW, the 75-minute performance brought together acclaimed Australian poets, exciting new voices and Poetry Month Ambassadors for an evening celebrating the power of poetry to connect, challenge and inspire.
Hosted by Jan Fran, the Gala featured Evelyn Araluen, Dakota Feirer, Lisa Gorton, Kera Lindsay Bird, Jihad Yassine, Zoe Terakes along with Tibetan Musician Tenzin Choegyal. His songs were so soulful, in light of the current floods in Tibet. The audience sent a song of hope together for those effected. We also enjoyed a very educational Welcome to Country which was informative and fun.
For IWFA members, the evening provided a wonderful opportunity to experience Australia’s contemporary poetry scene while connecting with fellow members, friends and guests in a vibrant cultural setting.
As one Gala audience member reflected:
“It is a wonderful opportunity to hear new voices and appreciate the power of language- the significance of just one words or several that touches all parts of our being. Language has so many twists and turns which the poets all communicate in their unique way.”
The event continued with drinks in the foyer following the performance, giving attendees the chance to meet and mingle with fellow audience members and poets and continue the evening’s conversations.
Red Room Poetry’s National Poetry Month Gala is a celebration of the enduring power of words – and a reminder of the role poetry and the arts can play in bringing people together, creating space for different perspectives and reflecting the experiences that connect us.
Events such as the National Poetry Month Gala are just one example of the cultural, professional and networking experiences available to IWFA members. By bringing together accomplished women across diverse industries and generations, IWFA creates opportunities to experience, learn, connect and inspire.
Thank you to the poets and the Redroom for including us yet again in the Poetry Month Gala.
