Winner announced for the 2013 State Library Young Writers Award

Kahli Scott has been awarded the prestigious State Library of Queensland Young Writers Award and $2000 for her short story Lingerie.

Ms Scott, a 23 year old Arana Hills resident, accepted her prize at the Queensland Literary Awards ceremony, held last night at State Library.

State Librarian Janette Wright said the Young Writers Award continues to be one of Queensland’s premier initiatives supporting and showcasing talented young writers from across the state.

Ms Scott said she was thrilled by the success of her story Lingerie.

“Receiving any kind of validation as a writer is always a great feeling, but winning the Young Writers Award for this story in particular is especially meaningful for me,” said Ms Scott.

“Lingerie is one of the few stories I’ve written that I feel honestly came from the heart,” she said. “Winning has encouraged me to pursue the stories I really want to tell, as opposed to guessing at the stories I think other people might want to read.”

Young Writers Award judge Aimée Lindorff, from Queensland Writers Centre, said Lingerie was a subtly sophisticated reflection on how friendship can change and grow, told from the perspective of a teenage girl.

“The confidence of story and strength of character made Lingerie a stand-out favourite for the judging panel,” said Ms Lindorff.

The Young Writers Award Runner-Up prize of $500 was given to Nabila Ahmed, from Meadowbrook, for her story On the Mend.

Judges also recognised four highly-commended entries - Immortality by Renee Poole (Roma), Windows by Luke Rutledge (Auchenflower), The Green Dress by Greg Mackenzie (Toowoomba) and Chickenpox by Grace Kirk (Toowong).

In a first for the Young Writers Award, the judges also acknowledged an additional story. Judges felt that Gloria Ngabire’s moving account of her experience as an African refugee in Queensland, while not in the same category as the winning stories, was worthy of special mention. They encourage her to continue sharing her story.

The Young Writers Award is open to Queensland residents aged between 18 and 25 years. Read the wining stories at slq.qld.gov.au

[5/9/2013]

Media enquiries
Alexia Saeck, SLQ Communications
07 3840 7784 | alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov.au

State Library sets the stage for Queensland’s best slam poets

Top wordsmiths from around the state will travel to State Library of Queensland for the Australian Poetry Slam state final on Friday 20 September.

Since May, Poetry Slam heats have taken place across Queensland drawing out 18 of the state’s most captivating spoken word poets who will vie for the title of Queensland Slam Champion at the state final.

The best poets from heats in Brisbane, Cairns, Rockhampton, Mackay, Logan, Blackall, Goondiwindi and Moreton Bay will take to the stage for the event. Each poet has 2 minutes at the microphone to win over the audience with a show-stopping performance of their original poetry.

There’s plenty on the line as only two poets will continue on to the national final at the Sydney Opera House in October where they will compete for the ultimate writer's tour of Asia, worth $11,000 plus priceless professional development opportunities.

Poetry slams are energetic and interactive events where performers have free rein of the stage and the audience is the judge. Event host Candy Bowers says that the excitement of a poetry slam is that anything can happen.

“Slams are raw and unpredictable. There are no costumes or music to hide behind, just the passion and power of the spoken word. Slams are a battle with only words for weapons. But when it comes to words, there are no limits.”

There will be live performances on the night from Brisbane band Go Violets and hip-hop artist and well-known slam poet Luka Lesson.

Lesson is an experienced performer and a previous National Slam Champion. He has toured and facilitated poetry and hip hop workshops in several countries; through his craft he is committed to establishing a connection between social issues, poetry and self-empowerment.

State Librarian Janette Wright says State Library is thrilled to be facilitating the event, which is a celebration of poetry as well as the diverse voices of Queensland.

“Slam poetry is an art that truly brings words to life. It’s a wonderful event that sees these unique voices from around the state bring their diverse styles to one stage for this fun and entertaining event,” said Ms Wright.

Tickets for the Australian Poetry Slam State Final are on sale now. Visit slq.qld.gov.au for more details.

When: Friday 20 Sep, 7pm
Where: Maiwar Green, State Library of Queensland
Tickets: $17, bookings slq.eventbrite.com

Media enquiries:
Nicole Mangelsdorf, SLQ Communications
t. 07 3842 9084 | Nicole.Mangelsdorf@slq.qld.gov.au

How might we design out homelessness?

State Library of Queensland (SLQ) is challenging leading designers to step outside their comfort zone and apply their way of thinking in new contexts.

Think Outside is a new talk series at SLQ, which invites local, national and international designers and design thinkers to contemplate a problem outside their area of expertise, offering new and unexpected solutions for discussion.

The series launches on Tuesday 17 September where panellists will be asked ‘how might we design out homelessness’.
Christian Duell, Manager of the SLQ Asia Pacific Design Library, said people often talk about design in terms of end products, but sometimes it’s better to think about design as a process, as a way of thinking.

“Design thinking is becoming increasingly recognised as a powerful process for creatively exploring the challenges of the 21st century, beyond the traditional realm of designing products,” said Mr Duell.

“The Think Outside series puts this idea into practice. We’re excited to start the series with such a complex issue as homelessness, and are curious to see what ideas our design thinkers come up with” he said.

“The design thinkers making up the panel in September will be typographer and designer Catherine Griffiths, co-founder of Holloway Eyewear Raffaele Persichetti, and QUT Associate Professor Dr Barbara Adkin,” he said.

Each speaker will have 10 minutes to present their ideas, setting the platform for a considered debate and discussion to follow around the practical implications of these new ideas.

There will be three events in the Think Outside series. In October speakers will explore the challenge of creating sustainable eco-tourism, and in November they’ll take a look at possibilities for a more ethical and sustainable economic system.

Visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on for more details, and to book tickets.

When: Tue 17 Sep, 15 Oct & 5 Nov, 6.30pm
Where: SLQ Auditorium 1, level 2, State Library of Queensland
Tickets: Free, bookings slq.eventbrite.com

Media enquiries

Alexia Saeck, SLQ Communications
07 3840 7784 | alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov.au

Live music, dancing and all that jazz

Jazz takes over State Library of Queensland at a mini music festival on Saturday 10 August as part of the Live! Queensland band culture program.

State Librarian Janette Wright said this was one event guaranteed to get people moving with All that jazz!

“Audiences will get to swing with performances by some very talented ‘cats’, The Con Artists, La Trav, Tropical Dance Orchestra, The Calibre Cats and the Mark Pradella Quintet,” Ms Wright said.

“Live! house band of the month, the Mark Pradella Quintet will entertain with a show full of popular standards for all tastes in jazz while The Con Artists, Queensland Conservatorium’s premier jazz orchestra will showcase Brisbane’s emerging jazz talent in this 18 piece big band under the direction of Steve Newcomb.

A motley crew of musicians and heavenly voices, La Trav will unleash original piano driven rock and pop. Then those who are tired of simply tapping their feet can jump up and learn the Charleston and swing in FREE dance classes before trying out their new moves to the old time jive of Tropicana Dance Orchestra and the high-energy Swing Nouveau musical stylings of The Calibre Cats.

Along with a fascinating look at Queensland’s jazz history with jazz critic and lecturer Dr Neville Meyers and his panel of aficionados, there will also be a white gloves experience with original band photographs, programs, sound recordings and newsletters, which tell the story of the lively jazz scene of our city,” said Ms Wright.

Classic jazz films Let’s Get Lost, about one of jazz history’s most acclaimed trumpet players and vocalists Chet Baker, and Chicago, the high-energy Broadway musical tale of two condemned murderesses on death row, will also be screened during the afternoon.

Other upcoming events include Live! Trivia night on Friday 23 August where music enthusiasts can put their knowledge to the test and the Composition Competition Gala Concert, the best and freshest locally written music played by the South Brisbane Federal Band, on Saturday 24 August.

Visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on for the full Live! program.

Live! Second Saturdays: All that jazz
Sat 10 Aug, 3pm–9pm | Free, bookings slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768
Cash bar open from 5pm | State Library of Queensland
View the day’s timetable at slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on

Live! Trivia night
Friday 23 Aug, 6.30pm | $20 per team of 6, bookings slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768
State Library of Queensland

Composition Competition Gala Concert
Sat 24 Aug, 6pm | $15 adult/$10 concession, bookings thefeds.org.au
State Library of Queensland

For further media information, interviews and images please contact:

Cinnamon Watson Publicity ~ 0432 219 643 ~ cinn@cinnamonwatsonpublicity.com.au

Inaugural Queensland Business History Award announced

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame announced the winner of the inaugural 2013 Queensland Business History Award, Brisbane Markets Limited.

State Librarian Janette Wright said, “The Queensland Business History Award, presented by State Library of Queensland at the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame induction dinner, recognises leadership in collecting, preserving and sharing business history.”

A new addition to the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame initiative, founded in 2009 by State Library of Queensland, Queensland Library Foundation and QUT Business School, the annual award aims to reward businesses that cherish, protect, value and share their corporate story.

This year’s winner, Brisbane Markets Limited, has seen many challenging times over the years but remains to lead by example, receiving the award for their excellent approach to record keeping.

With historical records dating back over 150 years, Brisbane Markets Limited is proud of its past and preserves its unique and important historical documents and items. Since the organisation’s establishment in 1868, historical documents and memorabilia were stored in boxes by staff, unaware of their significance.

In 2010, a ‘Brisbane Markets History Task Force’ was created to catalogue and organise the company’s records and treasures.  The task force developed a Collection Room of photographs, memorabilia and film which is now available for public viewing at its Rocklea offices, Monday to Friday.

Preserving business records helps co-create Queensland’s memory for future generations and State Library of Queensland encourages all businesses to get on board. Ms Wright said, “Brisbane Markets Limited’s commitment and dedication to keeping all its unique records intact and sharing them with the community is outstanding.
Photographs, ephemera, film, correspondence, donated ledgers, minute books, annual reports and oral histories all play a part in telling Queensland’s narrative. The Queensland Business History Award encourages businesses and business leaders to elevate the importance of safeguarding their irreplaceable historical material.”

Media enquiries: Kirri-Lee Huggett, SLQ Communications 07 3842 9803 | kirri-lee.huggett@slq.qld.gov.au

Chauvel honoured with screening at State Library

State Librarian Janette Wright congratulated Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame for inducting Australian film icon Charles Chauvel.

To honour Chauvel, State Library of Queensland will hold a screening of his influential film, Jedda, on Tuesday 20 August at 7pm.

Jedda (1955), filmed in central Australia, tells the story of Aboriginal teenage girl Jedda who is raised by a white squatter family and desperately wants to learn about her Aboriginal culture.
This notable film holds many firsts in the Australian film industry – first full colour Australian film, first Australian film to be screened at Cannes Film Festival, and the first Australian film to star two Indigenous Australian actors.

The screening at State Library, hosted by Chauvel scholar and QUT Distinguished Professor Stuart Cunningham, will give people the rare opportunity to see Jedda on the big screen and to learn more about Charles Chauvel.

Known for his ground-breaking film techniques, Darling Downs film-maker Charles Chauvel (1897 – 1959), was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame last night in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the Queensland and Australian film industry, along with his determination as a businessman.

Ms Wright said, “Chauvel contributed significantly to Queensland, discovering well-known talents such as Errol Flynn and comedian Chips Rafferty, while shooting Australia’s first colour film at a time when there were no processing facilities available.
Remembering, recognising and re-telling the stories of our state’s leaders, past and present, ensures we are co-creating Queensland’s memory for future generations.
The screening of Jedda at State Library allows people the opportunity to view this iconic movie, and learn more about one of our state’s memorable leaders.
Chauvel’s films are an important part of Australia’s history and State Library is dedicated to embracing and sharing Queensland’s contribution to Australia’s story.”

The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame was established in 2009 by State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Library Foundation and QUT Business School to recognise and celebrate Queensland’s business leaders. The Hall of Fame is part of the John Oxley Library at State Library of Queensland. Visit www.halloffame.slq.qld.gov.au for the inductees’ digital stories and for more information.

Bookings: Free, www.slq.eventbrite.com or 07 3840 7768

Media enquiries: Kirri-Lee Huggett, SLQ Communications 07 3842 9803 | kirri-lee.huggett@slq.qld.gov.au

“Pitch In!” become a digital volunteer

State Library of Queensland is looking for digital volunteers to tag, text correct, or transcribe its significant collections of historic photographs, newspapers, and books.

It doesn’t matter if you’re from Thargomindah, Toowoomba, Toowong, or Taipei anyone can Pitch In!

State Librarian Janette Wright said digital volunteers were needed to add information about historic photographs, correct the text of old newspaper articles, and transcribe significant diaries.

She said, “We’re particularly keen to work on some of our World War I collections in the lead up to the centenary in 2014. Correctly transcribing old letters, diaries and newspapers makes it much easier for family members, researchers, writers, and the public to find and use these materials.”

As well as World War I, there are assignments involving Queensland band history, Australian South Sea Islanders and the Ekka. All assignments help State Library of Queensland make digital collections more visible and accessible. 

Pitch In! is an ongoing project that will present some of the most exciting and mysterious collections for volunteers to engage with and share their unique knowledge and stories online. For more information on how to get involved, find “Pitch In!” on www.slq.qld.gov.au or email: discovery@slq.qld.gov.au

Media enquiries:
Cathy Stacey, SLQ Communications
07 3842 9346 | cathy.stacey@slq.qld.gov.au

 

Scratching the surface at State Library

Marsden State High School students are visiting State Library of Queensland this week to learn to use Scratch animation techniques and build their digital literacy.

State Librarian Janette Wright said the workshops would develop students’ confidence and interest in learning through digital mediums and text in a fun and playful environment.

“We have partnered with Queensland University of Technology, Logan City Council Libraries, and Marsden State High School to deliver Scratching the Surface, a three-stage project designed to build students’ capacity, skills, and knowledge,” said Ms Wright.

“Digital animation is an effective way to engage young people from diverse linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds and has been shown to be instrumental in improving literacy outcomes in both traditional text and digital media,” she said.

Scratch is a free program produced by Massachusetts Institute of Technology that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music and art.

Following the workshops, participants will have the opportunity to train as peer leaders in Scratch software, and use their skills to help establish an ongoing series of Scratch workshops at Logan City Council Libraries.

Ms Wright said libraries had an important role to play in providing informal learning opportunities.

“Working with schools and communities, libraries can help vulnerable children develop language and cognitive skills from basic literacy through to problem solving and creative and critical thinking,” she said.

Photo op with Marsden SHS students attending workshop, Thu 20 June, 10am-10.30am at State Library of Queensland. Please confirm attendance.

Media enquiries
Alexia Saeck, SLQ Communications
07 3840 7784 | alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov.au

Last chance to enter Young Writers Award

Young wordsmiths have until 19 July to enter their short story in State Library of Queensland’s Young Writers Award for a chance to win $2000.

State Librarian Janette Wright said the prestigious competition, open to Queensland residents aged 18 to 25, is a great opportunity for aspiring writers to share their stories, and hopefully kick-start a literary career.

“The annual short story competition provides a chance for emerging and aspiring writers to gain exposure and receive invaluable professional development opportunities,” said Ms Wright.

“Queensland is a gold mine of young creative talent, and it’s competitions like this one that help reveal that hidden talent and provide the support and encouragement needed to further their careers,” Ms Wright said.

“Whether you’re a notepad scribbler, a creative writing student, or just have a great story to tell, I encourage you to let the words flow and see where it takes you,” said Ms Wright.

If you’re thinking of entering, here are some tips on how to get noticed.

• Be confident in your writing, relax and don’t try too hard
• Use language that comes naturally to you
• The judges are looking for stories with distinctive and interesting characters and plots – so first get to know who your characters are and where your plot is going, and the language will follow.
• They’re all good ideas, but don’t try to cram them all into one piece. Think about your core themes and characters and stick by them; your loyalty will pay off in the end.

The Young Writers Award closes at 5pm on Friday 19 July, 2013. For more details, and to read some of the past winning stories, visit slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on

Media enquiries
Alexia Saeck, Communications, State Library of Queensland alexia.saeck@slq.qld.gov.au | 07 3840 7784

The search begins for Queensland’s best spoken word poet

The annual Australian Poetry Slam competition will travel the state to draw out local talent in the search for Queensland’s best spoken word poet.

Poetry Slams are electric live events where contestants have two minutes on stage to impress the judges with a spoken word performance of an original poem. The Queensland leg of the national competition is coordinated by State Library of Queensland.

“Poetry Slam will see State Library working with public libraries and communities throughout Queensland to develop and showcase local talent through workshops and live performances,” said State Librarian Janette Wright.

Wordsmiths of all genres are encouraged to take to the stage and leave their mark at the mic, with the lure of $12,000 of cash and prizes on offer.

The competition will see heats and workshops take place in eight locations around the state: Blackall, Mackay, Rockhampton, Cairns, Goondiwindi, Logan, North Lakes and Brisbane. They will run from now until the end of August.

Two finalists from each heat will be flown in to compete in the State Finals at State Library in September. The State Champion and Runner Up will then travel to Sydney to compete for the Australian title.

Free workshops will also be held at each location prior to the heats. The workshops, run by experienced Poetry Slam mentors, will introduce newcomers to this unique form of performance poetry and help contestants sharpen their words before they hit the stage.

Now in its seventh year, Poetry Slam has unearthed local talent from around the country and seen a diverse range of performers and voices take to the stage.

“Poetry Slam events provide an exhilarating experience for both performer and audience and offer enormous opportunities for creative and professional development to participants,” Ms Wright said.

“Programs like Poetry Slam are great in that they attract people from all walks of life, right across Queensland, to participate in a creative experience and have their voices heard.”

For more information and full heat details, visit www.slq.qld.gov.au/poetryslam

The Queensland tour of the Australian Poetry Slam is coordinated by the State Library of Queensland in partnership with local public libraries and regional arts organisations.

Media enquiries: Nicole Mangelsdorf, SLQ Communications
t. 07 3842 9084 |  Nicole.Mangelsdorf@slq.qld.gov.au