International poetic inquiry symposium takes place in Charlottetown October 15 to 18

The second biannual International Symposium on Poetic Inquiry will be held in Charlottetown from October 15 to 18.

The three-day symposium, called 'Poetry as a Way of Knowing,' brings together international poets and scholars from different disciplines and countries. Over 35 presenters from the United Kingdom, Tasmania, Japan, United States and throughout Canada will explore the role of poetry in research. They will discuss the art of poetry as a literary genre and inquiry practice during academic sessions, presentations, poetry readings and informal discussions.

'We are excited that the symposium builds partnerships and brings together local and international poets, scholars and the community at large, in a vibrant gathering and celebration of poetic voices,' says UPEI education professor Suzanne Thomas. She is co-chairing the symposium with Arda Cole of OISE at the University of Toronto.

Many of P.E.I.'s literary scholars and poets, including current poet laureate David Helwig, former poet laureate John Smith and Governor General Award winner Anne Compton, will be showcased with international poets and scholars, creating a culturally rich, international event.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Pete Hay, of the University of Tasmania's School of Geography and Environmental Studies. He has inspired a generation concerned with the preservation and protection of Tasmania as a unique place in the world. His poetry is informed by his academic work, his vast knowledge, his reflection on Tasmanian issues, and his deep sense of 'island' as place and as unique heritage. His political incisiveness and ability to explain his beliefs in accessible language make him one of Tasmania's most important writers and thinkers.

A poetry gala will be held on Friday, October 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Haviland Club in Charlottetown. This event is open to the public, and admission is free.

The symposium is being co-hosted by the UPEI Centre for Education Research and the Centre for Arts-informed Research, OISE at the University of Toronto, in co-operation with the UPEI faculties of Arts and Education, Confederation Centre of the Arts, League of Canadian Poets, UPEI Department of English, PEI Writers' Guild, Writers' Union of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts and Canadian Society for the Study of Education.

For detailed information about registration and the program, including the various venues where events will be held, please contact Christine Gordon Manley (cgmanley@upei.ca or (902) 566-6784), or visit the symposium's website.