As part of Poetry Month 2026, Fremantle Library came alive on the evening of 6 August 2026 with Blak Ink, a powerful celebration of First Nations poetry, music, storytelling and cultural expression. Presented by Red Room Poetry in partnership with Fremantle Library and the City of Fremantle, the event welcomed audiences onto Whadjuk Noongar Country for an unforgettable evening of words, rhythm and connection.
Curated and hosted by acclaimed Whadjuk Nyungar writer and storyteller Luisa Mitchell, Blak Ink created a space where First Nations voices were heard on their own terms—honest, courageous and deeply rooted in culture.
Opening with music by Kobi Arthur Morrison, the evening invited audiences into a shared experience of listening, reflection and celebration.
The showcase featured an outstanding lineup of poets: Tanesha Bennell, Jack Collard, Leanne Dolby, Dylan Murphy and Maitland Schnaars. Through poetry exploring identity, Country, family, resilience, memory and hope, each performer offered a unique perspective while contributing to a collective expression of Aboriginal creativity and strength.
The event extended beyond the stage. Around the venue, tables displayed books and literary publications from Westerly, Planet Books, and WA Poets Inc., giving visitors an opportunity to discover the richness of Western Australia’s literary community and connect with local publishers and poetry organisations. WA Poets Inc., one of the state’s leading poetry organisations, had a strong presence at the event through its leadership, including President Lakshmi Kanchi and committee member, web organiser Rohit Vyas, who were warmly engaging with readers, writers and guests throughout the evening. As a committee member of WA Poets Inc., I was pleased to see the organisation actively supporting an event that celebrates First Nations voices and strengthens connections across Western Australia’s diverse poetry community.
Rather than simply presenting readings, Blak Ink fostered meaningful dialogue between performers and audience. Themes of resistance, healing, joy and belonging resonated throughout the evening, demonstrating poetry’s enduring power to preserve culture, challenge injustice and build understanding across communities.
Held in the welcoming setting of Fremantle Library, Blak Ink reflected the growing recognition of First Nations literature as an essential part of Australia’s contemporary cultural landscape. By centring Aboriginal voices and stories, the event reaffirmed that poetry is not only an art form but also a living expression of identity, truth and community.
Blak Ink concluded with an acknowledgement of Whadjuk Noongar Land, paying respect to Elders past and present while recognising the enduring sovereignty of First Nations peoples. It was a fitting reminder that every poem shared during the evening emerged from stories connected to Country, culture and generations of lived experience.
As Poetry Month continues across Australia, Blak Ink stands as a compelling example of how poetry can bring people together through respect, listening and the celebration of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.
The momentum of Poetry Month continues with the Perth Poetry Festival, taking place later this month. Bringing together acclaimed local, national and international poets through readings, performances, workshops and conversations, the festival promises another vibrant celebration of Western Australia’s literary culture. Events such as Blak Ink and the Perth Poetry Festival demonstrate the strength, diversity and inclusiveness of the state’s poetry community, inviting everyone to experience the power of words to inspire, connect and create understanding.
