Poetry in the Heart of Australia
Latest
First Artist Announcements and Early Bird Tickets
10 June 2026
The first artists of Red Dirt Poetry Festival 2026 have been announced!
2026 Festival Theme Announced
27 May 2026
As we stand knee-deep in global shi[f]t, there is a deep uncertainty in the air, the arts, in our homes and communities of what comes next.
Red Dirt Poetry Festival 2026 Announced
23 March 2026
The festival is back from the 20th-23rd August 2026! Featuring an eclectic lineup of poets from across the NT, Australia and overseas, Red Dirt Poetry Festival is a celebration like no other.
The Dirty Word – International Women’s Day 2026
5 March 2026
In a world where arts are underappreciated and underfunded, we seek ways to source money for poets where we can. We wanted to use this opportunity to support women and non-binary poets, to platform and champion their work.
Keeping poetry fresh, wild and fun in Central Australia
Bringing poetry and spoken word to life across regional and remote Australia.
Through open mic opportunities, workshops, comissioned works and more, we make poetry accessible to everyone. We offer a full, vibrant ecosystem that amplifies voices, builds skills, and keeps poetry at the heart of community.
What We Do
Red Dirt Poetry Festival
Our biennial tentpole festival, celebrating everything poetry from Australia and beyond.
Eat Read Zine
A celebration of language, place, food and the joy of sharing.
The Dirty Word
Open mic poetry and spoken word, held monthly since 2013.
NT Poetry Slam
Two minutes to glory, with a chance at the Australian Poetry Slam finals!
Poetry Workshops
Learning and sharing with poetry veterans.