Poetry in Motion Schools – ‘Write to the Heart’ – Open for Applications – EXTENDED TO 19 JUNE!

This year’s Poetry in Motion Schools programme is called ‘Write to the Heart’ and it will be the largest classroom-based digital poetry programme in these islands.

Like all Community Arts Partnership projects, PIMS is a fully-funded, free of charge opportunity for schools and centres of learning to engage with local poets and enjoy a fully-facilitated poetry programme. Furthermore, all participants automatically are entered into the Seamus Heaney Awards for Achievement, now in their seventh year. Supported by our principal funder, The Arts Council of Northern Ireland and endorsed by the late Nobel Laureate’s family.

Conor Shields, CAP’s CEO comments:

“This year’s theme, given all that is happening in the world, is “Write to the Heart” – to help us show our love, our humanity, our hopes for the future, our resilience and at the same time perhaps, pay tribute to the memory of those taken before their time.

Understanding that things are going to be very different for a long time requires a huge mental, physical and emotional adjustment as we start to understand the impact on our lives and those of our loved ones. This is felt particularly deeply by our school children and students. We may be physically distanced but we can still be socially and creatively connected.

Given the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we are rolling out a digital programme initially, with specific on-line support and interaction. But we sincerely hope that we can move to a more face-to-face programme as and when restrictions are relaxed ie at step 4 and step 5. When those steps become a reality only time will tell.”

Dr Shelley Tracey, Literature and Verbal Arts coordinator (LaVA) in CAP comments:

“Poetry in Motion gives our young people ideas, language and opportunities for expressing their feelings. It’s particularly important for young people to have these opportunities in these incredibly challenging times.”