WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“I didn’t know it was important until I saw it being restored!”
— Margaret E, East London
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“I didn’t know it was important until I saw it being restored!”
— Margaret E, East London
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POET FOR PLACES
London’s Poet for Places programme is the first of its kind to offer a young non-professional writer the chance to engage with London’s heritage and stories. Poet for Places takes inspiration from the city’s heritage to bring historic buildings and monuments to life through poetry and spoken word. The poet also mentors other young people through workshops in schools and alternative provision organisations over the course of a year.
Kira Nelson is London’s second Poet for Places. Given behind-closed-doors access to secret places and curiosities across every borough, Kira explores their history through her poetry - from street sculptures and statues, former grand houses, an 18th century grotto, the ancient plot of a Benedictine priory - interpreting sites and their stories in new ways.
Poet for Places 2024 Kira Nelson at the Bowie Bandstand in Beckenham
KIRA NELSON
Kira Nelson is an emerging voice in the London poetry scene. A young queer poet and screenwriter from Orpington, she has been performing at open mic events since 2021. Kira is studying for a BA in Creative Writing at Brunel University London.
“Be honest, be emotional and don’t write blankly, there has always got to be something behind what’s on the page.”
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POEMS BY KIRA NELSON
Inspired by the Leaning Woman Statue
Inspired by
Columbia Market Gates
Inspired by
Bowie Bandstand
Inspired by
Commerce Welcoming All Nations Frieze
Inspired by
Cranford Park
Inspired by
Cranford Stables
Inspired by
Wanstead Grotto
Inspired by
How Memorial Gateway
Inspired by
Temperance Fountain
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Inspired by
the William Mitchell Murals
Inspired by
London Bridge
Alcove
Inspired by
Tolpuddle Martyrs
Mural
Inspired by
Henrion Street Sculpture
Inspired by
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Inspired by
Bull
We asked Kira how she felt about becoming Poet for Places 2024...
"Poetry is my go-to medium of self-expression and an invaluable outlet. It gives you the power to touch topics that you are passionate about in a personal, meaningful way; to look not only outward at how you perceive the world around you but also within yourself."
Are you excited?
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"This is going to be huge for me. London is my birthplace but there is so much I have yet to discover. I am in love with modern history and the city is perhaps more steeped in it than any other in the Western World. We are an almost unparalleled centre of culture, innovation and beautiful uniqueness. I am proud to be a Londoner and I can't wait to get started!"
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“Kira is a daring poet who constantly surprises by her phrase-making and shifts of thought. This is exhilarating poetry that is deeply personal yet artful and achieved.”
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– Professor Daljit Nagra MBE FRSL
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Poet and broadcaster Prof Daljit Nagra launching Poet for Places
Poet for Places is a year long programme open to 18-25 year old London residents. It is run in collaboration with Brunel University with the support of the Caledonia Investments Charitable Foundation. The Poet for Places receives a £10,000 grant and mentoring throughout the year by Prof Daljit Nagra, Dr Emma Filtness and other poets and writers. They also mentor young people and lead creative writing workshops as part of Heritage of London Trust’s Proud Places youth engagement programme. Poet for Places offers a rare opportunity for an upcoming writer to increase their body of work, develop their career, build their profile and inspire young people.
Arnaud Mbaki