MARION members! Join us at Gorman House as we rewind to 1995, the year our story began. Over three decades, MARION has grown into a vibrant community of writers, readers and creative voices. This end-of-year gathering offers a moment to celebrate our shared history, reconnect with friends and raise a glass to the stories still to come.

This informal gathering will be held in the Main Hall at Gorman House (formerly the Bogong Theatre).

Poet and spoken word artist CJ Bowerbird will be leading an Open Mic at this very special celebration. We invite you to prepare a short piece (maximum three minutes) to read at the Open Mic.

You’re invited to share something that nods to 1995 or the wider 1990s, a story from that era, a memory from the early days of Canberra’s writing community, or a piece that captures the mood, music, fashions, or politics of the decade. Think dial up internet, photocopied zines, Electric Shadows posters in every house, the bus interchange on a Friday afternoon, or meeting up at Impact Records.

We welcome pieces inspired by the 1990s, whether nostalgic, critical, humorous, or entirely reimagined, so feel free to bring along any short piece you would love to share.

Please note: Open Mic spots are limited, and we’ll do our best to include as many readers as possible on the night.

Drinks will be supplied, and in the spirit of the old days, please bring a plate to share.

We're so grateful for the support of our drinks sponsor for this event: Capital Brewing Co.!

MARION strives to ensure that this is a safe and accessible event. Keep our community safe: we request everyone who is able to wear a mask, please do so. If you do not feel well or have been in contact with a confirmed, or suspected case of COVID-19, have COVID-19, or are awaiting PCR test results, please stay home.

Gorman has a wheelchair accessible entrance, accessible toilets and accessible parking options.

Contact the host of Rewind to ’95: MARION’s End-of-Year Gathering