Poet Laureates revealed for Birmingham
RICHARD O’Brien has been named as the new Birmingham Poet Laureate.
Mr O’Brien, a lecturer in Shakespeare and Creativity at the University of Birmingham, becomes Poet Laureate for 2018-20, succeeding poet Matt Windle.
Aliyah Begum, 15, from Acocks Green, was also announced as the 14th Young Poet Laureate during a National Poetry Day event at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Aliyah, a Year 11 pupil at King Edward VI High School, succeeds Nyanda Foday, and will hold the title for two years.
During their tenure, both Poet Laureates will produce new poems and work to promote poetry across the city, as part of the scheme run by the Library of Birmingham.
As the city’s 21st Poet Laureate, Mr O’Brien will act as a poetry ambassador and help raise the profile of poetry across Birmingham. He will be asked to write poetry for special occasions, lead poetry workshops, inspiring others to try their own hand at read- ing and writing poetry and will mentor the newly-appointed Young Poet Laureate.
Councillor Jayne Francis, Cabinet member for Education, Skills and Culture at Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham is home to a wealth of literary talent and our poet laureates have played an important part in promoting poetry for more than 20 years, so I’m eager to see what works they produce as our new Poet Laureates.
“The Library of Birmingham’s partnership with Writing West Midlands has generated brilliant work from previous laureates, and its profile as a cultural destination will enable Richard and Aliyah to make poetry accessible to people across the city.”