Owen Harvey offers a few suggestions for you to check out at the annual TiNA festival.

This is Not Art (TiNA) has been one of Australia’s leading independent contemporary arts festivals since 1998. As a celebration of new media and arts, TiNA incorporates the National Young Writers’ Festival, Critical Animals, and Crack Theatre Festival. With over 150 events planned over the October long weekend, I’ve combed the full program to pick a few noteworthy things from across the board that you should check out. Or don’t, I’m just making suggestions. This is only the tip of the iceberg though, and more information is available at the official website.

24 Hour Performance Poem (Oct 2, 1:30pm – Oct 3, 1:30pm; Roost Creative / Level 1, 152-160 Hunter St)

That’s right, one committed man will be making the marathon effort of performing over a 24-hour period. Direct from Perth, Scott-Patrick Mitchell (SPM) shall be spinning tales and doing plenty of other stuff for an awfully long time. Even if performance art or poetry is not your usual kind of thing, I guarantee this will be a fascinating watch to see what a person can endure. Pop in and check out the phantasmagorical ‘Black Knight’ in action or check out the livestream (no, you won’t have watch the whole thing).

Australian Poetry Slam Newcastle Final (Oct 2, 7pm – 9pm; Newcastle Region Library / 1 Laman St)

Slam poetry. Yelling. Angry. Waving my hands a lot. Specific point of view on things. If this is the extent of your slam poetry experience, then you’ve been missing out on one of the most entertaining live crafts around. Armed with a mic, their voice and a few words, some of the Hunter region’s best poets & writers will be convening to make the audience laugh, cry or even just go “huh?”. There’s also going to be a workshop and a regular ol’ slam during the festival.

Be.Poietic.Punks (Part 1: Oct 3, 2pm – 4pm, Part 2:Oct 4, 1:30pm – 3:30pm; The Lock-Up / 90 Hunter St)

Having just googled the term, I have learnt the word ‘poiesis’ is derived from the ancient Greek term “to make”, and forms the root of our modern ‘poetry’. This 2-part workshop combines poiesis with the anarchic, expressionistic ideals of punk culture to create something new in order to solve a problem, then remixes it the next day. You can attend either or both sessions, and it’s sure to be fun. Anything could happen! Don’t let your dreams be dreams and just do it!

Publishing How To (Oct 3, 3pm – 4pm; Royal Exchange / 34 Bolton St)

Thought I’d better chuck in something that may be of practical use. For those budding authors out there, this session is focused on how to get over one of the most difficult hurdles in the writing process; actually getting published. The panel of editors, publishers and writers will be dishing out on proposals, agents and the like. Sounds handy, whether you aspire to be the next Leo Tolstoy or the next E .L. James.

Pop-Up Film Screening (Oct 4, 6:30pm – 8:30pm; Tower Cinemas / 183 King St)

Having interviewed the director, Stuart McBratney, I reckon this is gonna be a top pick. Pop-Up is an independent film set in Newcastle and Romania that follows three intertwining stories. You can end your festival with a nice, relaxed night out while supporting local talent. Visit the film’s website or Facebook for more info, or tix.yt/popup to buy tickets.

Images courtesy of TiNA Festival.