Overview

Northern Poetry Symposium 2023: POETRY COMMUNITY

11th May, Northern Stage, Stage 2

4 poet-led panels engaging with key issues in the sector. Each poet reads a poem to ground the discussion. Unique opportunity to hear the poets discuss their craft and tackle issues affecting the poetry community.

10:00-10:15 Introduction with Imtiaz Dharker

10:15-11:15 FESTIVAL FOCUS

What are the challenges of running a Poetry Festival? And what are the gains for poets, audiences and publishers? Do festivals contribute to a sense of community? What kind of research can contribute to their success? Clare Lees, Director of the Institute of English Studies, University of London, convenes a discussion with Linda Anderson (Founder, Newcastle Poetry Festival), Lily Blacksell (Literature Programmer at the Southbank Centre, Public Events and Partnerships Manager at the Royal Society of Literature), Kim Moore (Co-Director, Kendall Poetry Festival), Clare Shaw (Co-Director Kendall Poetry Festival) and Theresa Munõz (current Director, Newcastle Poetry Festival)

11:30-12:30 (5pm IST) ALL VIRTUAL PANEL FELLOWSHIP: A case study of global poetry community in action India-UK Fellowship.

Chair: Rebecca Hart. With Sarabjeet Garcha, Yogesh Maitreya, Mani Rao.

12:30-13:30 LUNCH

13:30-14:30 POETRY COLLECTIVES: Exploring poetry collectives and how we’re stronger together.

Chair: Nathalie Tietler. With Inua Ellams, Stephanie Sy Quia, Malika Booker.

14:45-15:45 INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES: How can poetry include more marginalised communities?

Chair: Adam Lowe (virtual). With Airea D. Matthews (virtual), Jamie Hale (live), Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa (live).

16:00-17:00 Readings: Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa, Malika Booker.