May Newsletter

06 May 2026

News and Opportunities for Solent Writers and Writing

Raise Your Voice: A Writing Day for Women
Saturday 6 June 10:00am - 5:00pm Mayflower Studios, Southampton

Workshops, writing practice, networking, and a relaxed open-mic with headliner Laurie Bolger.

Focused on finding, amplifying, and honouring women’s voices, this event is open to those who identify as women or non-binary and are comfortable in a space centred on women's experiences.

Hosted by writer-facilitator Joanna Barnard (ArtfulScribe), the day’s sessions will include a generative writing workshop with poet and presenter Laurie Bolger, confidence-building techniques with speaker coach Liz Garland, and time to write and network. This is an opportunity to share your writing and listen to others, and includes an open-mic session to close the day.

There will also be a launch of What Women Write, a publication gathering women’s voices from across Southampton as part of celebrations of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, supported by Southampton Forward.

To find out more or to book a ticket, please click here

Callout: Freelance Writer Facilitator

ArtfulScribe is looking to appoint a Solent-based writer facilitator to deliver weekly online Writing for Page and Stage sessions for adults during term time. These sessions are run in partnership with Mayflower Studios.

The facilitator will be a passionate individual with a proven track record in workshop delivery and writing and will lead relaxed, interactive sessions suitable for both beginners and those who already enjoy writing. The facilitator will work to encourage, inspire, and motivate participants to explore ideas, reflect on life or simply enjoy the act of creating.

To apply, please click here

Closing date: 12 noon - Monday 8 June
Interview date: Tuesday 23 June
Proposed start date: September TBC

Sounds of the Solent - Festival Poets Wanted

Do you have what it takes to work with a festival audience as part of a collaboration between The Front Room and ArtfulScribe?

Applications are invited from poets and spoken word artists keen to present work at this year's Victorious Festival in Portsmouth on Friday 28 August, showcasing writing on the general theme of togetherness.

To apply, please click here

While this is not a paid opportunity, successful applicants will be offered a free weekend festival ticket in exchange for a ten-minute performance slot on the opening day between noon and 2pm. Applicants are responsible for travel and must be available on Friday 28 August 2026.

Closing date for submissions: 12 noon - Monday 1 June

News from the Solent Region & Beyond
Events and Opportunities

Transcribe: an evening of new writing by trans+ writers - Event | 7 May | 6:30pm | John Hansard Gallery, 144 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU

Creative Writing Group with Liz Amos at God's House Tower - Workshop | 9 May | 2:30pm - 4:00pm | God's House Tower, Town Quay Road SO14 2NY

Write a Note - Open Mic | 11 May | 7:45pm | Mayflower Studios, 142, 144 Above Bar St, Southampton SO14 7DU

VEX Spoken Word Collective - Writing Group | 14 May | 7:00pm | Ventnor Exchange 11 Church Street, Isle of Wight

October Books Poetry Open Mic Night - Open Mic | 15 May | 7:00pm - 9:00pm | October Books, Portswood Road, SO17 2NF

PIPELINE: Rapid Respon se - Writers Social | 17 May | 7:00pm | Shearling Studio, Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Rd, Poole BH15 1UG

Play on Words Open Mic - Open Mic | 18 May | 8:00pm | Forest Arts Centre, Old Milton Road, New Milton, BH25 6DS

SLAMAGEDDON: A Riot Of Rhyme - Slam Poetry | 28 May | 7:30pm | The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth | Tickets £5

New SaRhyme - Open Mic - 23 June | 7:30 pm | Upstairs at the Pheasant Inn, 19 Salt Lane, Salisbury SP1 1DT

Winchester Poetry Prize Now Open | Submissions close Friday 31 July

Bards! - Open Mic | First Thursday of the month | 7:00pm | The Bounty Inn, Basingstoke, RG21 2BZ | No booking required

PLEASE SUPPORT US BY DONATING
ArtfulScribe C.I.C. is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, working with people from primary years to life's later stages. Help us to help others make the most of life's opportunities by contributing to our cause to improve literacy levels in the Solent region. Thank you.

DONATE

If you'd like your events or opportunities for writers in the region to feature in our newsletter or social media, please drop a line to admin@artfulscribe.co.uk

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