THE G@LLERY EVASON HOSTS RETREAT FOR LOCAL POETS

When a group of people go on a retreat, it can be for different purposes ranging from spiritual recharging to corporate brainstorming. Come May 19 and 20, The G@llery Evason will host a retreat of a different kind – probably the first-ever poets’ retreat to be held in Singapore.

The objective of the retreat is to provide poets the opportunity to take their minds off their worldly concerns, so that they can freely exchange writing tips and glean fresh ideas for new poems within a relaxed and inspiring environment. At the same time, it is hoped that this informal gathering of poets could spark off constructive discussion on issues of concern – for example, how to further promote the art of poetry in Singapore and beyond.

“Some local poets have been talking about having a retreat for a while,” said poet Yong Shu Hoong, 34. “I think I first raised the idea about a year ago – at that time, due to individual workloads of poets and the launch of No Other City: An Ethos Anthology of Urban Poetry, the idea did not materialise. The year 2001 looks like a good time to finally take the idea off the ground.”

The retreat is scheduled to kick off at 9am on May 19 (Saturday) and end at 3pm on May 20 (Sunday), and would involve about 10 poets. The G@llery Evason is supporting the retreat by providing complimentary accommodation and use of venues.

The programs, coordinated by Yong, will consist of brainstorming activities, discussions, writing exercises and the sharing of poems. Poets who have already indicated their interest to participate include: Alvin Pang, Daren Shiau, Aaron Tan, Paul Tan, Toh Hsien Min and Yeow Kai Chai.

As a follow-up to the poets’ retreat, The G@llery Evason has also expressed their interest to display poems (blown up to full-sized artwork) that are inspired by the retreat. This exhibition is slated for June, to be held in one of the hotel's art exhibition spaces.