Public. Open. Space. Launch with Kate Larsen

Public. Open. Space is a collection of poetry inspired by spaces, places and situations that are controlled and contested online and in real life. From firewalls to feminism, activism to apathy, Public. Open. Space. explores freedom and suppression, censorship and silencing, propaganda and protest, as well as the difference between being told ‘no’ and choosing to say it ourselves. Positioned at the intersection of poetic and digital culture, this collection explores the sense of placelessness increasingly resonant for all of us who live and work in the digital realm.

Kate Larsen is a writer, arts and cultural consultant currently based on Kaurna yerta in Tarntanya/Adelaide. As one of Australia's best known social media poets, her alter ego Katie Keys wrote and posted a daily #TinyLittlePoem for over a decade. Join Kate and guests for an afternoon of poetry and conversation about Public. Open. Space.

Our event space is wheelchair accessible via a stair lift. Please contact events@betterread.com.au with any additional access requirements and/or questions.

"Public. Open. Space. is a considered, tender, and accomplished debut from a poet to watch.” - Maxine Beneba Clarke

"Through a fusion of evocative language and thought-provoking imagery, Kate Larsen crafts a compelling exploration of contemporary issues that captivates and challenges readers. The potential of Public. Open. Space. to ignite conversations and kindle empathy makes it a significant addition to the realm of contemporary poetry.” - Writing WA

"Larsen’s work rehumanises the institutions that shape our lives – and she does this radically, as well as quietly, sensitively. There’s a tentativeness to her approach, offering a great deal of context. There’s a reluctance to centre herself and her own experience, ever conscious of the privilege of being the beneficiary of ongoing colonisation. There’s a gentleness there – and then there’s bold incitement to revolution! ‘Burn it down’! ‘Blow it up’! ‘Start again’! Take this book in your hands and be prepared for it to radicalise you. Maybe just a little; maybe, just enough.” - Esther Anatolitis (ArtsHub)