Poetry Open Mic- Tuesday 7th July

Kwani Trust is inviting you to Kwani? Open Mic on Tuesday 7th July 2009 7pm at Club Soundd, Hamilton House Kaunda Street Entry ksh 100/- only.

Featured Poet; Wanjiku Mwaurah

“Spontaneity is my middle name and being a dreamer is a strength I have.

I hail from central Kenya born was raised there!

Poetry…? I like thinking a lot… the special thing about my thinking is that I like thinking in short sentences. And the best way to put that down is through poetry. Poetry is a way of relaying a message through in short and precise and sometimes intense manner.

How did we get started…Poetry and I, go back a long way. As a kid, I would go for solo verses but there, I only experienced a prescribed form of the art, where I did as was asked and but not as I would have wanted. However, being on stage for poetry stopped for the four years I was in high school though I was composing poems, more of a way to express my self than for performance.

Premier show: It started as a favor for a friend who needed a poem for scrutiny and I performed for the people present and Wham!!! A Eureka kind of feeling engulfed me and I realized that I had to keep at it…. Or lose it (the talent) for life. Since then I normally have a poem for every occasion.

Inspiration: I get deep warm feeling that provokes me to write every time, from different things in life like an experience, a person I have met, a social vice or simply a good feeling from within. Also from neo-soul artists and other poets like Thea Monyee, Georgia me, among others who have contributed to an expansion in my poetic horizon. That also explains why I normally carry a note book with me… Coz I never know when the inspiration will strike.

Aspirations: I always dreamt of being an astronaut…There was something out of this world (literally and not literally) I felt, as I envisioned myself up on space. Now the dream has changed to an innate desire to express my self as eloquently as I can, through the spoken word! And that is just a comeback from my past which I am pursuing.

Achievements: There is an inner satisfaction that comes with being able to follow through with your dream and that is the first achievement I have. Others include sharing a platform with great poets like Pepe Haze, Wanjeri Gakuru, the Kenyan poet, and many more great poets, and doing the spoken word in motivational forums in the city.

Last word: There is so much simplicity in life if only we would learn to see it, revel in it and indulge in it!”

KARIBUNI

Poetry Anthology Launch; Postponed, Date to be confirmed.

Get Kwani? 05 part one from all leading bookstores and Uchumi Supermarket.

Marketing & PR Manager for Kwani Trust- Extended

Kwani Trust is a Nairobi-based literary network committed to the growth of the region’s creative industry through publishing and distributing Contemporary African Literature, offering training opportunities, producing literary events and establishing global literary networks.

The position

The Marketing & Public Relations (PR) Manager is a central figure in the institution and will endeavour to ensure the Trust’s relevance to the community by creating awareness of the Trust and its work, and by initiating, developing and maintaining cooperative relationships with key constituencies. This function’s accountabilities are three-fold: Handling external communications, and conducting both Editorial & Marketing outreach.

This position is part of a team that is building a viable publishing house that is commercially sustainable and that develops titles and products of world class literary quality.

Kwani Trust is a young and dynamic operation and the Marketing & PR Manager will be expected to build systems and processes that make their department functional and effective.

Key duties and responsibilities

Develop and implement a marketing and PR strategy for the institution incorporating our various publications, projects and programmes and that draws from our editorial philosophy

Establish marketing linkages with other Arts, cultural and Literary institutions; building networks for information sharing, partnering opportunities in event production, publishing and other core Kwani Trust activities

Establish and maintain public networks through formal / informal channels such as social clubs, professional networking clubs/ groups, and other associations for the promotion of Kwani Trust publications and activities through initiatives such as book clubs and book signing sessions

Maintain a database of contacts and key constituents in media houses; institute a system of regular press updates, and advertisement of Kwani Trust-related activities

With guidance from the Managing Editor, assist in the preparation of media packs & press releases and present information verbally and / or in writing as appropriate

Undertake regular monitoring of newspapers, magazines, radio and television output, and other published material, making a preliminary assessment in order to identify potential value for Kwani Trust. Further, to make suggestions for the treatment of such material

Assist with the preparation and sending of events-related e-mail news (monthly basis for both Open Mic & Sunday Salon events; and as per required for other events still in development to mailing list subscribers and partner sites

Maintain a regularly-updated database of all contacts key to the Trust’s operations, including but not limited to ; writers and poets, performers at events, media contacts, larger stakeholders, editors , other publishers and institutional partners

Maintain existing and seek new markets for Kwani Trust publications and other outputs

Provide support at Kwani Trust events; display of publications, logistics, etc and further assist with the production of publicity material

Minimum qualifications and skills

Experience in Marketing, Media relations or other communications-related activity is crucial. Experience in an arts / literary institution is an added advantage

Degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism or related field and post graduate training

Demonstrable ability to undertake, originate and research on ideas for a Marketing & PR department in a literary environment

At least 3-7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience. Experience in content management through various media is an added advantage

Excellent written, oral communication and organisational skills

IT proficiency, including use of graphic design software

How To Apply

This position will be for an initial period of one (1) year with potential for extension subject to performance and availability of resources. The post holder will be on probation for a period of 3 months, with confirmation to a permanent post confirmed thereafter, subject to performance.

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter ( maximum one page) illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications, competencies and skills together with a detailed CV, including names and addresses of three referees.

All applications should be set via email by 5pm Friday 10th July to Wambui Thuku; g.wambui@kwani.org indicating ‘Application for Marketing & PR Manager post’ on the subject line. Remuneration is offered at a competitive rate.