WordFest programme of events
WordFest grow out of Bay Lit and the celebration of all things literary, says arts worker Lynne Udell.
“It was also started as a kickstart to summer events in the township and inviting people to become involved in activities.”
“We like that it contains a number of different events that offer opportunities to all age groups and also that things ‘literary’ are artistic, as a number of local writers have commented that they would not consider themselves as ‘artists’. So that is something that is good about it.
“The debate and improv games encourage youth and adult to pit themselves against each other in the form of playful bantering. This year Rita Scholten and Elvira Pontier are running SwapO’Art, which introduces the concept of artists trading cards with the wider community. Based on the similar tradition of card collection from card insertion in cereal and bubblegum packages, the SwapO’Art concept encourages creation, appreciation and collection of small art bytes of visual word creations.”
Word Game Extravaganza with Murray Rogers. If you’re a fan of Boggle, Scrabble, Lexicon or other word games, you’ll love this stimulating wordy fun for kids of all ages. Enjoy team challenges, co-operative games and more. Run with the support of with GB Recreation and the Community Workers. This is a free activity. Bring a friend and a pen or pencil on Thursdays 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 September, 3.30–5.00pm, GB Community Centre.
SwapO’art with Rita and Elvira. Artists, youth and adult, meet and swap their word-inspired artist trading cards, following an international phenomenon that has collectors all over the world. Check out <www.cedarseed.com>. All cards will be exhibited at The Dangerous Kitchen during September. Monday 5 September, 4.00–6.00pm, Dangerous Kitchen.
SwapO’art Art Card Trading Exhibition. Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art of a standard size (63mm x 89mm), small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets. The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origins in Switzerland. The cards are usually traded or exchanged rather than sold. Local artists display their cards, each representing a single word. At the end of the exhibition all cards will go to new owners as part of the prearranged “swap” held on 5 September at The Dangerous Kitchen.
The GB Weekly Very Short Story Competition. A 60-word (no more, no less, with no heading). More than one entry per person is permitted - and it’s free. Deadline Wednesday 7 September. Details are in this week’s publication.
Poetry Reading with Nancy Fulford Nancy Fulford, a visiting writer, actress and poet. Friday 9 September.
The Great Debate on Tuesday 13 September, 7.30pm. The adults will once again take on the young in a fast, furious and stimulatingly argued battle of wits and words. Watch our teams slug it out on this year’s moot: That Tarts need Tops. Come early to the library to get a seat at this popular evening’s entertainment! Free.
Bay Lit awards presentation evening on Thursday 15 September at 7.30pm in the Mussel Inn. A perennial favourite on the local arts calendar and a great night out for local writers, readers and their supporters. Come and find out who has won Bay Lit categories for this year, listen to the winners read from their winning works and relax with a drink or a bite to eat in great company.Free.
Improvisation Games with Ronnie Short. An evening of interactive improvisation games with Ronnie Short. Youth from Teentheatre pit themselves against adults in high octane, fast-paced and fun wordy action. All welcome to come and participate via viewing or joining a team. Gold coin donation. Monday 19 September, 7.30-9.00pm, Takaka Village Theatre.
The Great Cryptic Crossword Challenge with Neil Wilson. Do you love cryptic crosswords? Then throw together a team (or come alone) – race against other teams to be the first to finish a special Wordfest-themed cryptic crossword, and be in to win a $50 bar tab. Friday 16 September, 5.30pm, The Brigand, Takaka.
