Writers, poets, performers, readers and lovers of the arts are invited to the next public session of The Optimist’s Incomplete by SEVHAGE on Saturday, 12 September 2026, from 11.00am at the D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. The event will feature poetry readings, performances, presentations, an open mic and creative conversation, bringing together writers, artists and members of the public for another instalment of the evolving literary and multimedia exhibition.

The programme forms part of the D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum’s Heritage Open Days 2026 activities, the D. H. Lawrence Festival 2026, and the Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAAF) 2026. It also takes place during the weekend marking the 141st anniversary of D. H. Lawrence’s birth on 11 September.

Participation in the reading, performance and open-mic programme is free. However, writers, poets, spoken-word artists, storytellers, performers and others who would like to take part should register their interest by Sunday, 6 September 2026, to enable us to plan the programme and allocate available slots.

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EVENT DETAILS:

Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
Time: From 11.00am
Venue: D. H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum
8a Victoria Street, Eastwood
Nottinghamshire, NG16 3AW

Participation: Free

To express interest in reading or performing:
Email abc4devt@gmail.com
and copy chief@bbaaf.com

Prospective participants are encouraged to indicate the kind of contribution they would like to make and the approximate length of their reading or performance.

Interested in exhibiting your work?

Writers and artists who would like their work considered for inclusion in the physical exhibition at the museum are also welcome to enquire. Exhibition requests should be made separately from requests to read or perform at the event.

Because museum display space is limited, exhibition submissions will be considered by the curatorial team. Where a work is accepted for physical installation, a modest administrative and/or installation contribution may apply. Any applicable cost will be communicated before participation is confirmed.

The Optimist’s Incomplete by SEVHAGE is produced by SEVHAGE ABC4DE, TransitUs and the Benue Book and Arts Festival (BBAAF), with support from INKspiredng and Konya Shamsrumi.