28/09/2015 - Permalink

Shropshire Libraries to launch October Poetry Month as part of the BBC Arts “Get Creative” campaign

Related topics: Leisure, culture and heritage

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Libraries are hosting poetry events across Shropshire as part of BBC Arts’ “Get Creative” – a year-long celebration of British arts, culture and creativity.

Get Creative aims to boost creativity in the UK, as well as celebrating the millions of people already doing something artistic and creative everyday. The campaign was launched in February 2015 by BBC Arts, in partnership with cultural movement What Next? and leading arts and cultural organisations across the country, including Culture at King’s, Voluntary Arts, 64 Million Artists, Fun Palaces, Cultural Learning Alliance and Arts Council England.

Shropshire Libraries joined hundreds of organisations nationwide and became a “Get Creative” champion.

The Poetry Month events, organised by libraries and supported by Poetry on Loan and Shropshire Libraries Friends Groups, will launch on Thursday 1 October 2015.

You will be able to pick up poetry postcards designed by Poetry on Loan, which showcase work of regional poets from West Midlands, in every library. A fantastic programme of poetry events will be on offer in many libraries across the county.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business and culture, said:-

“There is a wide variety of poetry available to borrow from libraries throughout the year, and October’s Poetry Month will see special poetry displays, events and activities in many library branches. This celebration puts poetry firmly in the hands of the readers. I would encourage everyone to check the website for your nearest library event.”

Brenda Read-Brown, Poetry on Loan Co-ordinator, added:

“Shropshire Libraries have long been one of the leading lights in poetry in the West Midlands. Poetry on Loan is delighted to provide support for their activities, and especially for the amazing programme of events for October Poetry Month, as part of the Get Creative campaign.”

Members of the public can find out about the poetry events, by following @ShropLibraries on social media sites or visiting shropshire.gov.uk/libraries website. To find out more about Poetry on Loan visit www.poetryonloan.org.uk.

Get Creative will also have its digital home on BBC Arts online and through the use of #bbcgetcreative on social media sites. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/getcreative for more details.

For more information contact Mirka Duxberry on 01743 255031 or email mirka.duxberry@shropshire.gov.uk.