ArtfulScribe is looking to commission four Solent-based writers with a passion for the environment to produce a piece of writing to share in front of an audience as part of Defend and Defy, an evening of poetry and stories about efforts to preserve and protect the other than human world.

There will be a focus on Twyford Down in Winchester where part of the South Downs was carved out to make way for the M3, destroying a section of wildlife habitat. For the micro-commissions, in particular, we'd like to hear stories that raise the profile of the 'other-than-human' world; stories of active hope; stories that celebrate the world of which we are part.

There's plenty of awareness around the negative aspects of climate change and environmental destruction, and it isn't to be denied, yet there are positive elements to the ongoing narrative around being agents of change, be this in celebrating aspects of natural habitat and the creatures that dwell there, or through considering ways in which human behaviour can have a more positive impact.

The commissioned piece should be no longer than two sides of A4 (approx. 7 minutes reading time) to share as support for the evening's main guests, Emma Must and Helen Beynon. The event takes place on Wednesday 28th May, 7.30pm, at Mayflower Studios. Each selected writer will receive £50 for their contribution, inclusive of any travel. Please make sure you have availability to attend.

If you'd like to apply for this opportunity, please fill out the form below by Tuesday 29th April: 0900 and we'll be in touch as soon as possible. Apply here

Writers in Conversation, part reading, part Q&A, is a relaxed and engaging event featuring writers reading their work and talking about their writing lifestyle.

Lex Croucher, the Nero Award-shortlisted, New York Times, Indie & USA Today bestselling author of ‘Gwen & Art Are Not in Love’ (2023) and ‘Not for the Faint at Heart (2024’), joins novelist and Southampton principal teaching fellow Rebecca Smith to discuss their work.  

With a background in social media and NGOs, Lex now writes historical-ish rom-coms and fantasy for both adults and teenagers. They earned their BA English at University of Southampton. ‘Gwen and Art Are Not in Love’, a queer YA romance novel, won them the UK’s YA Book Prize 2024.

Writers in Conversation is directed by novelist and Southampton associate professor Carole Burns and sponsored by the University of Southampton English department and delivered in association with ArtfulScribe. Tickets available here

Sunday Wordship - Join a fellowship gathered around the shrine of language to celebrate, enrich and uplift life experiences through written and spoken word.

9:45 - 11:45AM | Sunday 6th April | Online | Booking details available here

Writing as Spiritual Practice - An invitation to dig deep, till the soil, sow seeds for growth and harvest in the months ahead.

In Person: 10:00AM - 12:00PM | In Person at October Books, Southampton | Tuesday 8th April Booking details available here

ArtfulScribe supports regular open mics, Write A Note at MAST Mayflower Studios, and Play On Words at Forest Arts Centre. Monthly platforms for poetry, spoken word, and live literature to find new audiences in a warm, and supportive environment, ideal spaces to trial new work or perfect delivery of existing material. 

Dates for Write A Note, MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton - 15th April | 12th May - Booking here

Dates for Play on Words Open Mic, Forest Arts Centre, New Milton - 22nd April | 20 May - Booking here

Open Mic Poetry - Event - Thursday 3rd April, 7pm | Gabardine Bar, Basingstoke Town Centre

thirty (a show about getting older) - Show - An exploration into the act of growing older, told through poetry, comedy, and powerpoint by Harley Truslove | Saturday April 5th, 12.15 pm | £7.48 | Heartbreakers, Southampton.

Placeholder Poetry #5 - Event - Nasim Luczaj, Carrie Myshkin and Eden Wright (poetry reading). Thursday 10th April, 7pm | £5 adv. | The Bookshop Alehouse, Southampton.

Creative Inklings Writing Group - Regular Group - April 10th and 24th | 2nd and 4th Thursdays, Monthly, 6.30 - 8.30 pm | Garden Room, Havelock Community Centre, Portsmouth.

Poetika 130 - The Spring Fling - Event - Flower-Powered Poetry - April 15th, 7.30pm | The Tent at The Winchester Gate, Salisbury.

Poetry and Jazz Cafe - Event - JC Jazz, Lydia Fulleylove, Barry Smith, Chris Hardy, and Paul Armfield - Thursday April 24th, from 4pm | Suggested Donation £4 | Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Freshwater, Isle of Wight

Bournemouth Writing Festival - Festival - Workshops, Agents, Readings, Performances and Panel Discussions | Friday 25th - Sunday 27th April | Various ticket prices | some free events | Pavilion Dance + other spaces | check website for details | www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk