The weather warms, blossoms unfurl, and the WORD 2024 festival blooms in Ōtautahi, like a bright literary Botanic Garden daffodil... and, like a newborn lamb, I'll be springing off to two events this week, as eagerly anticipated as sweet milk of the ewe, to a newborn lamb.
Megan Dunn discusses her mer-moir.
The Mermaid Chronicles
A lifelong obsession with mermaids finds form in this book, where she "dives into the caves of her own life" in a quest to understand the strange and beguiling allure of mermaids. Chaired by Claire Mabey at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū.
On Sunday afternoon, I'll return to Te Puna o Waiwhetū for -
Sight Lines: Women and Art in Aotearoa
Dr Kirsty Baker's book Sight Lines explores the story of women and art-making in Aotearoa, asking new questions of art history in Aotearoa. She'll be joined in conversation by Chloe Cull (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki) and Hanahiva Rose (Kāi Tahu, Te Atiawa, Ngāti Toa) and Dr Barb Garrie.
There's so much on in this iteration of WORD, would that time and my newborn lamb energy allowed I'd be headed to it all. Have a look at the programme, the range and depth of offerings this year promises something for all. If my picks interest you, you can find both titles in our library collections.
More WORD Christchurch
Make your own picks of the festival - check the programme online online or picking up a printed copy from your library.
- WORD Christchurch website
- Follow WORD Christchurch on Instagram, Facebook and X FKA Twitter
- Our WORD Christchurch 2024 page - Find books by writers coming to this year's festival
Add a comment to: My WORD 2024 – Clare’s festival picks