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Young poets celebrate their city
11 December 2006
More than 250 schoolchildren from 56 schools across Belfast gathered at the City Hall to celebrate the publication of `The Class of Belfast`.
The publication is the sixth poetry anthology in the New Belfast Community Arts Initiative`s `Poetry in Motion` for Schools project.
Sponsored by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Lottery, the scheme also receives funding from Belfast City Council and Belfast Local Strategy Partnership.
Conor Shields, New Belfast Programme Director, explained that this year, the centenary of Belfast City Hall provided a physical focus to the project.
“The young people look at this building as a neutral space and have peppered their poetry with their appreciation of this venerable building, at the heart of the city,” he said.
“And of course, we find examples of the celebrated humour of the city whether through image or the flavour of our sayings. There are poems that will confound you and others that will draw a smile.”
Councillor Bernie Kelly, Chairman of Belfast City Council`s Arts Sub-Committee, added:
“I`m delighted that our support has given these young people an opportunity to work with poets, to develop their creative skills and - for some - to see their work in print.
“There`s a real sense of optimism for Belfast conveyed in this publication".
Today`s celebration marked the end of the `Poetry in Motion` project, which has involved more than 1,600 schoolchildren in creative workshops.
ENDS
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