After a 6-month fellowship, these 12 poets are ready to launch their work into the world.

Mother Tongue Poetry has been amplifying and equipping the voices of women and gender diverse people who align with the identity of womanhood for 14 years.

2026 saw the inaugural run of the Rising Voices Fellowship to support a group of local poets and spoken word artists to deepen and expand their practice.

The program was curated with the Fellows own defined outcomes in mind and consisted of 6 private group-Lab sessions, 5 public workshops with industry professionals, and 5 private group-Q&A sessions with those professionals.

Now, after 6 months of learning, exploring, and applying their skills they are ready to reveal what they have created.

What to expect:

A diversity of voices and lived experiences
Poetry and spoken word
An anthology book launch
A podcast launch
An opportunity to meet some of Melbournes rising voices in performance and poetry

Our Fellows:
Pep, Sarah Ornsby, Hanada, Nat Farah, Katie Boon, Mich McSavage, Farhana, Flick Odgers, Kevti Desai, Tayla Richardson, Kaz, Jo Podlesak.

This Fellowship was lead by Fleassy Malay and Katie Lohner for Mother Tongue Poetry.

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This Fellowship and outcome event was made possible through a Banyule Arts and Culture Project Grant.

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Access:
The venue is wheelchair accessible - please indicate when you buy your ticket if you will be requiring wheelchair access as there are limited wheelchair accessible spaces.

The venue has Hearing Loops - Please contact us in advance so we can coordinate them for you.

The venue is a Library and has multiple spaces where you can step out and be in a quieter or more low sensory space if you need.

You are welcome to arrive early (within the Libraries opening hours) and explore the broader venue if you would like to get to know the space in advance of the event. The Theatrette will be closed to the public until doors open.

Contact the host of Rising Voices - A Fellowship Showcase Event by Mother Tongue Poetry