Poetic Place
Poetic Place invites young poets, writers and communities to reimagine Havering through poetry slams, workshops and billboard poetry.
Workshops
The project will start with a series of 8 workshops, in communities across the borough, inviting young people and diverse local communities to explore identity, place and imagination through poetry and spoken word. Whether they’ve written before or are trying it for the first time, participants will be invited to express and reflect on what Havering means to them – now and in the future.
Slams
Poetic Place Slams will bring together writing and live performance as local people take to the stage to share original poetry shaped by personal experience and place. These performances will offer a space for participants to speak openly about identity, community and change.
Billboards and hoardings
Havering London will work with developers to display the poetry collected on billboards and hoardings across the borough, providing space for young people’s aspirations.
The project is led by Community Product Jordan Abankwah, working with poetry facilitator Lalah-Simone Springer.
Jordan is a designer, community facilitator and producer, passionate about using creativity to drive social change and build stronger communities.
Lalah is a poet and speculative fiction writer, who’s writing considers themes of mental health, alienation, love and growth from a queer, Black, working class, feminist perspective.