We're delighted to partner with Nexus again on the Metro Poetry Prize for the fourth year in a row! This is fast becoming a fixture of the North East and UK poetry scene. Budding poets are invited to submit their entries to a poetry competition, with the chance of their work being displayed for thousands to read on a Tyne and Wear Metro station. The competition, organised by Nexus, opens today, National Poetry Day, and closes on 17th October.
The winner and three runners up will see their poem displayed on a large poster at Longbenton, a busy commuter station which is used by more than one million customers every year. The prize also includes £100 Waterstones vouchers and a free membership to The Poetry Book Society for the winner and £50 Waterstones vouchers for the runners up. All poems submitted will be judged by representatives from Nexus and The Poetry Book Society and published poet Jane Burn.
Alice Mullen, manager of the Poetry Book Society said: “The Poetry Book Society is delighted to partner with Nexus on the annual Metro Poetry Prize. We care deeply about sharing poetry with our local community and can’t wait to give a platform to regional talent at Longbenton Metro Station. The standard of the poems is always exceptional, and we’re so excited to read this year’s entries on the theme of “care”. Poetry can offer hope, solace, joy and help us connect with those around us – so we’d strongly encourage everyone who cares about words, and the world, to get involved.”
Judge Jane Burn added: "Poetry is so vital to communities, and this competition is one which is close to my heart. Poetry displayed in shared public spaces is a truly wonderful thing, and what better subject matter could there be to compliment this and National Poetry Day than care? How do we care for one another or the world around us? What or who do we care passionately about? Are we carers or cared for, or both? What should we handle with care? What does it mean to care or be cared for? What a wonderful subject to consider. I am very much looking forward to reading your poems which interpret this year's theme."
Poems can be submitted via the Nexus website www.nexus.org.uk/poetry and should be on the theme of ‘Care.’