Wally Gunn is a composer whose work makes use of patterns and processes, and sometimes utilizes physical gesture and speech to heighten the theatricality of musical performance, creating music that is expressive and emotionally direct. The extramusical themes in his work look outward to explore the natural world, and inward to reflect queer identity and experience. Hailing from rural Australia, Wally first played in rock bands, then attended Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, before moving to New York to study at Manhattan School of Music, and then pursue a PhD at Princeton University. He currently divides time between New York, NY, USA and Castlemaine, VIC, Australia.

Maria Zajkowski's poetry has been published in journals around the world. Originating from New Zealand, over the last two decades Maria has been based in Australia. In 2001 she was funded by Arts Victoria and later in 2003 by the Australia Council of the Arts to write an as yet unpublished manuscript, 'From an island' which in 2007 was shortlisted for the Alec Bolton Award. Since then she has participated in several festivals, including the National Young Writers Festival, the Emerging Writers Festival and the Alphabet City Festival (Toronto).

Since 2005 she has facilitated creative writing groups. At the last three Emerging Writers Festivals, Maria hosted a Creative Writing Bootcamp, during which time she has become known for her challenging workshop style. Her poetry was shortlisted for the 2008 Newcastle Poetry Prize and the 2009 Bridport Prize (UK). Two suites of poems from her latest collection, 'The Ascendant' won both the 2011 and 2012 Josephine Ulrick Poetry Prize.

Maria Zajkowski lives, works and writes in Melbourne.