18th May 2012 – 20th May 2012 at Plymouth University.

“This conference aims to explore the use of source material in contemporary poetry. The term ‘source’ should be given a wide remit, incorporating ‘origin’, ‘subject’ and ‘method’. Contemporary poetry, here, refers to writers working post – 1950, but of course thier sources may well be historical. We invite single author studies as well as papers which speak to the sources which are defining our poetic zeitgeist; we also invite creative practitioners to explore their own sources with a framework or context. Some topics for panels include: visual arts, music, nature, the personal, the impersonal, found material, the documentary, the trans-Atlantic exchange, influence, language, literature, biography, history, politics, philosophy and translations. Papers on or inspired by the work of our plenary speakers are very welcome.”

Includes a paper by Mark Leahy on Opposable Dumbs by Other Room reader Tina Darragh. You can watch part one of Tina’s reading below and find the other parts here.