Performers and artists will do the extra metres around Auckland on July 22, writes Rowena Orejana.
Two Meccano moa birds adorn one white wall. The presence of these extinct creatures is kind of fitting - given we are here to talk about an art returning from the brink of extinction.
There are small sculptures on side tables and a bright red rug with circular holes. "This is also my creation," says John Lyall with a grin as he sits on a yellow chair.
As the objects suggest, Mr Lyall is a visual artist but he has recently branched out into poetry. He says it's still about creativity.
"On another level, it is totally different because it's word-based and not an object of interest.
"Most of my art is about creating new things that've never been in the world until I make them, whereas my poetry is descriptions of events and images that I actually see," he says.
He is taking part in the All Day Poetry Trail in Auckland's CBD, one of events celebrating National Poetry Day on Friday, July 22.
He says events like these are important not only for poetry but for the arts.
"I don't think Government supports the arts in general but it likes to pretend it supports the arts," he says. "Government support for the arts is slowly getting less and less."
He points out there used to be a TV programme about the arts. "Now, it's rugby, rugby and, oh, rugby."
Jane Sanders, organiser of the All Day Poetry Trail, hopes to raise awareness of the relationship between poetry and visual art. "There is really a close tie between the two," she says.
Three galleries and two bookstores have arranged exhibitions and events culminating in a poetry reading at Jane Sanders Art Agent gallery in Queen St.
For those who prefer to let their fingers do the walking, Poetry Phone lets you dial a poem from 9am to 9pm on the day by phoning 309-POEM or texting 021 199 5674.
Drus Dryden, organiser of Poetry Phone, says poems will be read from an anthology featuring local poets.
"We were just thinking of different ideas and this came from nowhere, really," he says. "We thought of getting people together, but a phone call would make it easier."
Mr Lyall believes poetry is thriving as younger poets get creative with digital technology at their fingertips. "Computers are so instantaneous. People can immediately read what they write. In some ways, [poetry] might even be bigger than it was."
Hocus focus
Auckland-based performance poetry troupe The Literatti is launching its RETHiNK Possible Worlds competition on Friday, July 22 to help destigmatise mental illness.
"We are launching a website on the day. We want people to reflect on the theme: 'We are all human beings navigating the maze of life'," says creative director Christian Jensen.
The campaign asks people to produce short film clips on the theme. Clips will be streamed on its website. The group will present a show fusing music,
the spoken word, visual art and theatre.
Entry is free at: Civic Winter Gardens from 6.30-7.30pm. See: www.theliteratti.com
Art verses poetry
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