After some weeks out of action, the Archive of the Now is back online. The Archive of the Now is a digital collection of poets performing their own work. Based at Queen Mary University of London, it hosts many specially commissioned recordings unavailable anywhere else, all of which can be downloaded free of charge.

The Archive of the Now is a digital and print collection of poetry by over 140 poets, mostly based in the UK.

Inspired by resources such as UBUWeb and PennSound, we hope to represent the true diversity of poetic practice in the UK. We are dedicated to supporting emerging authors, providing a new distribution network for challenging poetry, and opening up opportunities for collaboration and exchange.

The Archive focuses on audio recordings of experimental and innovative poets performing for live audiences and in studio settings. Many of the recordings were made in the poet’s home using portable digital recording equipment. While the quality and sound-proofing may vary, each recording gives a unique insight into the sounding of this challenging and inspiring body of work.

New recordings are being added all the time. We have a substantial list of poets we hope to record in the next two years, but we welcome suggestions of other poets working within the experimental tradition in (or with ties to) the UK.

In addition to sound recordings, the Archive provides information on individual poets, with links to their publishers, online projects and other material. The print archive includes small press publications, chapbooks, little magazines, manuscripts and correspondence. The archives of the late British poet Bill Griffiths form a major part of this collection.

New additions and a re-designed website, here.