Poet Laureate Simon Armitage announces ambitious plans for new National Poetry Centre in Leeds

Thursday, 27 February 2020 16:04

Plans are being developed for an ambitious National Poetry Centre in the city of Leeds, to mark the appointment of Yorkshire-born poet Simon Armitage as Poet Laureate and create a lasting legacy from his decade-long tenure in the post.

The National Poetry Centre will be a major collaboration led by Leeds City Council, Leeds 2023, the University of Leeds and other important partners.

The intention is to provide a welcoming public space that offers an extensive poetry collection with research facilities, rehearsal and performance spaces, a friendly café, opportunities for writers to exchange ideas, event spaces for literary events and prizes and hopefully accommodation for visiting writers from across the UK and all over the world.

The project is Simon’s response to the opportunities offered by the royal appointment of the laureateship to develop initiatives and projects that enhance education, foster new talent and promote literature and literacy.

In addition to the plans announced today, Simon has also been appointed as the first patron of Leeds 2023, a year-long multi-million-pound programme of arts and culture in the city.

Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said "We are so honoured that Simon has chosen to develop his vision for a national poetry centre in Leeds.

“We are committed to strengthening the cultural life of our city because we know what incredible social and economic impact it can bring.

“The serious business of finding the right site, raising the funds and creating something quite extraordinary that can welcome all our communities can now begin."

The project will now develop through an ongoing partnership between Simon Armitage, Leeds City Council, Leeds 2023 and the University of Leeds to identify a site and secure funding.

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