See 2023 Calls for Expression of Interest
PRPL’s Writer in Residence for 2023 is Johnny MacRae
Residency Dates: September 15th, 2023 – October 27th, 2023
Johnny MacRae is a spoken word (or mouthy) poet of Gaelic ancestry who lives on the unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleilwaututh), and sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) nations.
Since arriving on the Van Slam stage in 2009, Johnny has won regional and national poetry slam titles. Although best known for his high energy and humorous poems, Johnny is a versatile artist whose work ranges from poetry slam, to site-specific storytelling, to spoken word theatre.
He began touring in 2010, and has since been a featured performer at dozens of poetry series and arts festivals across Turtle Island, both solo and with collaborative acts such as 2 Dope Boys in a Cadillac, Travelin’ Word Circus and The Dambassadors. In 2013, he was named Poet of Honour for the Victoria Spoken Word Festival. In 2017, received the Zaccheus Jackson Nyce Memorial Award, recognizing his deep commitment to building and creating space for community.
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- Johnny MacRae. All Star Showcase at the Vancouver Poetry House.
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- Johnny MacRae. Poet laureate at the Brandon Folk Music and Art Festival.
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- Johnny MacRae with Leo D.E. Johnson as part of the Dambassadors
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- Johnny MacRae. Verses 2019. Mary Matheson Photography.
One on One Consultations with Johnny MacRae are fully booked, and unfortunately no more bookings are available. To find out more about how you can connect with PRPL’s WIR in the time remaining, please explore Upcoming Workshops, Programs and Events.
About PRPL’s Writer in Residence Program
2022 was the inaugural year of PRPL’s Writer in Residence program.
During their residency, the Writer in Residence uses their expertise to engage and inspire readers and writers of all ages, with one-on-one manuscript consultations, readings, writing workshops, presentations, school visits, and more!
New this year, accommodation for PRPL’s Writer in Residence program will be provided in partnership with Boxwood Cottages and Gardens, located two kilometres distance from the library. The WIR will be housed during the residency at Boxwood Suite, a heritage suite nestled in a large English garden with views of the ocean, the islands of Malaspina Straight and the snowy peaks of Vancouver Island. Boxwood Suite has the conveniences of being in the center of town, yet the large garden with a gazebo, grape arbor, and a creek and bridge at the back of the property provides perfect tranquility.
2023 Calls for Expression of Interest
2022 Writer in Residence – Gabrielle Prendergast
WIR painted graphics are from the mural in PRPL’s Teen Room by artist Luke Ramsey.