Red Room Poetry designates August as Poetry Month. On 6th August join the President of the Australian Haiku Society and Gadigal Ginko Convenor, Leanne Mumford, for an introduction to haiku writing by undertaking a ginko – a walk for composing haiku. This workshop event in Sydney is designed for novice haiku poets. It will include some pre-work to help prepare for the ginko and ensuing discussion. In joining this event, you’ll discover that there’s more to contemporary English language haiku than counting syllables.
A ginko is an opportunity to connect with the spirit of haiku – paying attention to the here and now, to what your senses reveal. Participants will draft haiku based on sensory encounters during the ginko and then each share a newly composed poem. The ensuing discussion will uncover some of the variety, richness and depth of creative expression that’s possible in these tiny poems.
Outline: 1. meeting and introductions 2. the concept of ginko 3. discussion of a few haiku basics 4. disperse for individual ginko with haiku note-taking for composition 5. quiet time to work on draft haiku 6. reading of draft haiku around the group, with some facilitator feedback 7. open discussion 8. next steps on the haiku path.
When: Wednesday 6th August, 2025; 10am ~1pm. The event may be cancelled or rescheduled in the case of particularly unsuitable weather.
Where: Sydney area. The exact meeting point will be advised to confirmed participants. The location will be accessible by public transport, and the event will involve standing and walking in a public outdoor setting.
Participation is free, but you must apply by 5pm AEST Monday 28th July through the Australian Haiku Society application form below. Application involves sharing contact information and answering some simple questions. This will be a small-group experience, and places are limited to twelve participants.
Australian Haiku Society 