Are you ready to explore the cosmos through poetry?  

In collaboration with the Science and Industry Museum, we invite poets of all levels to apply for a unique opportunity to create and perform a one-minute poem themed around Artificial Intelligence being used in space, to perform at the upcoming Manchester Science Festival in October 2024. 

This year, the festival theme is “extremes”, with visitors having the opportunity to get hands on with some of science’s most cutting-edge developments through multi-sensory experiences, immersive events and more. Find out more about some of the plans for this year’s festival here.

The selected poet will receive £200 to craft and then perform their poem at a special event at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester on the evening of 19th October 2024. 

Criteria:

• We are particularly drawn to poets who deliver exciting and dynamic performances that captivate live audiences.
• Poems should be original and explore AI in Space in an accessible and inclusive way.
• Poems do not need to be highly scientific; we want to encourage you to use your own voice, experience and interest in the subject to guide the writing.
• You must be available to perform the poem live at the special event taking place at the Museum on the evening of Saturday 19th October 2024.

The scoring criteria is broken down as follows:

• 40% strength of performance
• 40% creative link to the theme
• 20% accessible and inclusive approach

How to Apply:

• Eligibility: Applicants must be 18+.
• Poem: Create a 1-minute poem on the theme of A.I. in space
• Submission Requirements: 
• Record a video of your performance (Landscape mode and either .mp4 or .mov)
• Write a 50-word bio, describing your poetry journey to date
• Email your video and bio to gabriel@the-poetryplace.com via WeTransfer.

Deadline for submissions is Monday, September 16th 2024, 12pm.

The Poetry Place will be scoring alongside a museum representative. The Poetry Place will contact the winner ahead of announcing them on Instagram: @the_poetryplace.com.

Please note: The selected winner can further refine the poem before the final version needs submitting in writing, for review, by Monday, September 30th 2024. 

For any questions, contact The Poetry Place at gabriel@the-poetryplace.com, who are managing this call out process, or visit their website: www.the-poetryplace.com. Good luck!