Gutter Announces Edwin Morgan Poetry Competition in Collaboration with the Edwin Morgan Trust

Gutter has partnered with the Edwin Morgan trust to launch “Gutter x EMT: All things are possible”

Judged by Christine De Luca and Janette Ayachi, the competi- tion is for writers over forty years old



Entrants can send a poem to www.guttermag.co.uk/edwinmorgan100
The judges will be looking for fresh single poems that in some way relate to, or spring off from, any aspect of Morgan's life or work. Entry is free, with a first prize of £500. The winning poem and ten highly commended poems will be published in Is- sue 24 of Gutter magazine (August 2021) and, COVID-19 restrictions permitting, the poets will be invited to read at a launch event in Edinburgh. 



Gutter Magazine Editor Colin Begg: “As a new writing magazine, Gutter tries to represent writers at all ages and stages of their development. Speaking as someone who only became seriously involved in creative activity in his thirties, I have always been aware that the many opportunities for artistic de- velopment are directed at younger writers. Figures like Edwin Morgan and others whose talents were appreciated later in life remind us that we are never ‘past it’. We are delighted to be partnering with the Edwin Morgan Trust for this exciting new competition, which demonstrates our continued commitment to providing lifelong opportunities for creative exposure.”



Robyn Marsack, the Edwin Morgan Trust: As well as encouraging more people to read more of Edwin Morgan’s poetry in his centenary year, the Edwin Morgan Trust is supporting artists of all kinds to respond creatively to his life and work, and in partnership with Creative Scotland has given ‘The Second Life’ grants to 20 Scotland-based artists. The Trust is very happy to be partnering Gutter in Gutter x EMT: All Things Are Possible, a title taken from ‘The Second Life’, Morgan’s celebration of his own life changing at 40, and of the changes taking place in Glasgow. We hope that writers developing their poetry at the mid-point or later in their lives will be inspired by Morgan’s ener- gies and adventurous spirit.



Guest Judge Christine De Luca: What a model Morgan is for all of us 'late- starters'. And the Edwin Morgan Trust continues to inspire us all, in its support of writers at all stages of their careers. Gutter magazine will no doubt help set this competition alight! I'm very much looking forward to reading your entries and sharing the judging task with Janette Ayachi.

Guest Judge Janette Ayachi: I am thrilled to be re-engaging with Edwin Morgan’s poetry and spirit, this time conjured-up from the words and images of those he touched and continues to touch. A man himself who knew that to let things marinate and sentimentally stew a bit, well, it would serve-up a batch of rather delicious poems in the end! A slow-burning west-end stove, a slow- mover like the planet Saturn. 101 years later, his name still circles the sun, the magic resumes and what a wonderful chance Gutter magazine has provided for poets to share their appreciation of him again. The darling Christine De Luca and I, knives and forks lined-up at the ready to celebrate the feast you have tendered for us! 




About Edwin Morgan: The Second Life
 

The Trust was established in 2012, principally to administer the generous Award which the poet wished to create from the earnings of a long and distinguished writing career. The Edwin Morgan Poetry Award, with a value of £20,000, is awarded bien- nially to a Scotland-based poet aged 30 or under for an unpublished collection of po- etry. In 2020 it was awarded to Alycia Pirmohamed. The Trust also funds a biennial translation workshop, and has greatly expanded its activities during the Edwin Mor- gan centenary year (2020-21) to include support for various publications by and about Edwin Morgan; ‘The Second Life’ grants to 20 Scotland-based artists; and ‘Hold Hands Among the Atoms’, its online series of discussions, readings and films drawing on Morgan’s life and work. Its centenary partners include Creative Scotland, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Paisley Book Festival, the Tron Theatre, Open Book, and the National Poetry Library.