Local people are invited to pen their own poems, with the chance to see them displayed in an exciting large-scale art project, coming to North Lincolnshire this summer.
The project, called Of Earth and Sky, is the brainchild of renowned artist Luke Jerram, whose Museum of the Moon exhibition dazzled visitors to 20-21 Visual Arts Centre earlier this year.
Of Earth and Sky will see North Lincolnshire’s public spaces transformed, with lines of poetry showcased in visually striking displays. These will form a temporary sculpture trail, with residents able to explore 25 locations, from 6 August until 2 September 2021.
Residents are invited to share all types and themes of poetry, with organisers encouraging entries that explore a sense of pride, ownership or curiosity for Scunthorpe or wider North Lincolnshire. The poetry collected will then shape the phrases that will be used in the trail.
To submit a poem, please email it to: inspiredlearning@northlincs.gov.uk or fill in this short form. Alternatively, you can also drop poems in at any community hub or freestanding library in North Lincolnshire, or at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre or North Lincolnshire Museum. Please be sure to include your name and contact details. The deadline for entries closes on 16 July.
For added inspiration, you can visit 20-21 Visual Arts Centre or North Lincolnshire Museum, accessing resources at newly launched pop-up poetry stations. Residents will also have the chance to get top tips and suggestions from professional poets at a series of workshops, taking place both online and across the community.
As well as the thrill of having their poem displayed, entrants have the chance to win some fabulous prizes, with vouchers from North Lincolnshire’s Brigg-based independent book shop, The Rabbit Hole, up for grabs. Prizes are also available for schools.
The project is part of an extra special programme of events celebrating the 20th anniversary of 20-21 Visual Arts Centre.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities – urban, said:
“To be chosen to host Of Earth and Sky is a huge privilege, and great news for North Lincolnshire. The 20-21 Visual Arts Centre’s popular anniversary programme is really putting our area on the creative map – the next stop for this art work is Charlottesville, USA.
“While the past year has been extremely challenging, we are on the path to normality now, and our towns welcoming back visitors. This project arrives at just the right time; it’s all about getting outside and enjoying our communities, and experiencing the wonderful locations on our doorstep in a whole new way.
“North Lincolnshire is fortunate to have a wealth of creative talent, and attracting amazing art works like this is a fantastic boost, inspiring people to find new and exciting ways to express themselves. I cannot wait to see residents’ poems showcased.”
Earlier this year, more than 4,000 people visited the Scunthorpe-based gallery to admire another of Luke Jerram’s artworks, the awe-inspiring Museum of the Moon.
Visitors are currently being wowed by Dan Rawlings’ Future Returns installation which sees a spectacular oil tanker sculpture surrounded by nine tonnes of earth displayed in the former 19th-century church building.
Of Earth and Sky is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. In addition to the sculpture trail the funding of £48,830 will enable some new digital commissions to take place exploring wellbeing and involving our local communities.
For more information about Of Earth and Sky, please visit the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre website
Of Earth and Sky will see poetry bring North Lincolnshire’s public spaces to life
Terms & Conditions of open poetry call
Your poems
- poems may be in any style, of any length, on any subject but they must be your own work
- your poems will not be returned, so do keep a copy
- if your poem is used in the sculpture trail you will be contacted in the week commencing 19 July. Additional poetry will also be on display on digital screens at various locations across North Lincolnshire
- copyright of each poem remains with the author, but North Lincolnshire Council and Luke Jerram have the unrestricted right to publish the winning poems on their on their websites, in exhibition materials plus unrestricted rights to use the winning poems in the sculpture trail and any related material for PR purposes.
How to enter
- entries close at 5pm on Friday 16 July 2021
- you may submit your poem(s) online, by completing this form
- by email to: Inspired.learning@northlincs.gov.uk. Your poem should be attached as a separate Word or PDF document.
- by post to 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Church Square, Scunthorpe, DN15 6TB
- in person at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, North Lincolnshire Museums or any community hub or freestanding library in North Lincolnshire
- please include your contact details so we can let you know how we use your poem.
