News release: Diverse Voices bring literature to life

Abstract

A group of leading writers and scholars will soon be converging on Preston for a ground
breaking conference which aims to present fresh perspectives on contemporary Irish
literature.
The University of Central Lancashire is hosting a three day conference, from 4th to 6th
April, on Contemporary Irish Literature, which includes readings open to the general
public. There will be opportunities to hear leading novelists and poets from the
Republic and from Northern Ireland.
The conference begins with readings on Friday evening by Bernard O'Donoghue and
Frank Ormsby, followed by a free reception hosted by the Irish Embassy. On Saturday,
there will be readings by prize wining novelists, Deirdre Madden, Glenn Patterson and
Colm Toibin, followed by extracts by four woman poets from the 'Word of Mouth
Poetry Collective'.
Conference organiser Professor Michael Parker says: "Given the diversity and energy of
Irish creative and critical writing and its contribution to life within and beyond Ireland,
and the unparalleled impact of Irish culture over the last two decades, this is an
opportune moment for an examination of the voices that have enhanced and enriched
that culture".
The event has been sponsored by the University, the North West Arts Board and
Waterstones Book Shop. Further details and the full conference programme are
available from Karen Adams, Department of Cultural Studies, tel: 01772 893020,
kadams@uclan.ac.uk .
31 March 2003
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Note to editors: The conference is part of the 'Writers and Writing at UCLan 2003'
series. More details are available from Karen Adams, tel: 01772 893020,
kadams@uclan.ac.uk . For media enquiries, please contact Pam Culley, Media & Public
Relations Office, tel: 01772 894425, pculley@uclan .ac.uk