Upgrade Yourself Monthly: Discovering the Power of Poetry

Please note this event is for 18–30-year-olds.

Poetry is one of the oldest and most dynamic art forms. Starting with ballads and myths, sea shanties and chants recited around a campfire, our earliest stories and understanding of the world came to us through verse, and it is still one of the most vibrant artforms in existence.

Join us for an evening of exploring poetry as a creative and professional practice with Mónica Ibarra Parle and Lucy Macnab, the Co-Directors of Forward Arts Foundation – the micro-charity that delivers the UK’s National Poetry Day and the Oscars of Poetry, the Forward Poetry Prizes. We will explore the diverse and innovative poetry ecosystem, and share stories of how individuals passionate about poetry can find their own pathways, from writing and performance to the vast micro-org world that brings this vibrant artform into being.

Mónica and Lucy will guide you through the skills, insights, and networks that support poets and poetry practitioners today. Drawing on their extensive experience working across education, publishing, and cultural programming, they will share practical advice on how to nurture a poetic voice, engage communities through language, and navigate the creative industry as a poet or facilitator.

This session invites attendees to consider what it means to work with poetry, not only as an art form, but as a way of connecting people and ideas. Through shared examples and open discussion, Mónica and Lucy will highlight support structures, resources, and initiatives available to those looking to develop their practice or career in poetry.

As always, free drinks and food provided by Butch Salads will be available throughout the evening.