about
WHO IS JAMES BUXTON?
James has taken part in two UNESCO City of Literature programs as a Melbourne-based representative, BOTH REPRESENT major contributionS to his development. This includeD The PenPal Network in 2023, writing to artist/writer Sevda Khatamian, a treasured correspondence that continues to this day, well over 20 letters later.
In 2025 James took part in The INKubator, a virtual writers’ room that connected 5 writers from Slemani and 5 writers from Melbourne, supported by the Commonwealth through the Council for Australian-Arab Relations, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Hosted by acclaimed poet, playwright and teacher Emilie Collyer. participating writers explored character creation together, using it to reflect their cities to their peers, inspiring new writing and forging new connections.
Learn more about the INKubator here, here, here, here and here:
James Buxton is an emerging writer based in Naarm/Melbourne. His work, rooted in Melbourne's suburban sprawl, weaves together elements of local and global cultural history intertwined with fractured, dream-like, personal narratives. He is developing a debut collection and is interested in exploring opportunities to further develop his practice through international and interdisciplinary collaborations.
RESIDENCIES AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
WHAT’S COMIUNG IN 2026
2026 will see the publication of the INKubator short story as well as the premiere of a performance piece written and produced by James, with performances at the Melbourne Recital Centre and Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre in April.
Other creative contributions
James has ALSO lent his talents to the creative work of several other artists outside of the literary world, including small performances as a bellboy in a promotional video for revelations, an album by music artist sir jude, AS WELL AS playing the subject of a Jeffrey SMART PAINTING IN AN UPCOMING SHORT FILM INSPIRED BY THE ARTIST (SEE MORE HERE).