Saturday 21 March 2015

Not impressed with this ageist offering at all

Not everyone has the luxury of putting their life on hold to write. Poetry doesn't pay. Not many poets are independently wealthy and even poets have to eat. Many exceptionally good poets don't start writing until they are a good way into adulthood, even retired. And yet...here's a bursary restricted to under 35's. Poetry Ireland should know better.

Poetry Ireland, in association with CĂșirt, is delighted to offer an emerging younger poet the opportunity to visit the festival and to immerse themselves in the poetry programme. The successful applicant will attend all poetry readings and launches at the festival and they will also be allocated a place on the workshop programme. They will receive complimentary tickets to all events, bed and breakfast accommodation for 5 nights, along with their travel costs to Galway and a per diem. In return they will be required to write a blog for Poetry Ireland and CĂșirt while at the festival.
Applications are invited from those aged 35 or under, who are beginning to have poems published in reputable journals or magazines, and who are based in Ireland or Northern Ireland. This award is dedicated to writers who have yet to have a full collection published. If you are interested in being considered for this bursary, please send us a short expression of interest, outlining why your work would benefit from this support. Applications which exceed one page will be deemed ineligible. 
Deadline 27th March.

1 comment:

Mari said...

Had the same thought when I saw it too. Thanks for voicing it.