Monday, December 23, 2013

Kundiman 2014 Retreat applications now open

In order to help mentor the next generation of Asian American poets, Kundiman sponsors an annual Retreat in partnership with Fordham University. This year's deadline to apply: 2/1/2014. No pressure.

During the Retreat, nationally renowned Asian American poets conduct workshops with fellows. Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings are also scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American poets. This 5-day Retreat takes place from Wednesday to Sunday. Workshops will not exceed eight students.

A nationally renowned Asian American poet facilitates each writing workshop. Workshops consist of writing exercises and group discussion on fellows' poems. Fellows are expected to workshop new poems-- poems written at retreat. In order to help foster relationships between fellows themselves, fellows are assigned a home group for the duration of the retreat. The faculty rotates in the work-shopping of each home group.

Your faculty this year will be: Marilyn Chin, Eugene Gloria, & Michelle Naka Pierce.

To date, since its foundation, Phayvanh Luekhamhan is the only Lao poet to have attended the program. Will this be a year we see another Lao poet apply? Or see one from the Khmu, Tai Dam, Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Mien, or Montagnard communities? As our communities approach 40 years since the Diaspora began in 1975, now would be a good time to see new voices emerging! Give it some consideration!

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