Audio series will make Scottish and world poetry available globally
The Lantern Poetry Podcast (working title) is a new high-quality pilot series exploring new Scottish and world poetry.
Led by The Scottish Poetry Library, the Makar Kathleen Jamie, host Alistair Heather and BeSpoken Media, the podcast aims to make Scotland’s vibrant poetry scene accessible to audiences worldwide digitally via the podcast medium.
Scots writer and presenter of the podcast, Alistair Heather notes: “There is need for a new platform for Scotland's vibrant poetry scene. We will develop a podcast with a video element that will provide space for new and emergent poets to appear and share work alongside established names.”
“In collaboration with the Scottish Poetry Library and award-winning radio producer Dave Howard we will bring forward new writing and fresh performances of poetry that speaks directly to our era of climate crisis, the cost-of-living crisis, financial crashes, domestic abuse, poverty, war, gender politics, travel, family, illness physical and mental.”
National poet Kathleen Jamie will be a regular, alongside Scots, Gaelic and English poets, and presenter Ally Heather.
In each episode, the group will be joined by a guest– drawn from a completely different tradition or background. The podcast’s hosts will also encourage listeners to suggest poets and themes for future episodes.
The project is one of 46 projects receiving a total of £952,603 National Lottery funding in this latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards. At a glance, projects include:
- An exciting programme celebrating the fifth anniversary of Glasgow Zine Library and tenth anniversary of Glasgow Zine Fest.
- Research and development of a new physical theatre piece from acclaimed duo Jordan & Skinner exploring the life of feminist, American games designer and original creator of Monopoly Lizzie Magie.
- A project fromAutumn Voices telling older people’s stories through the writing of five original songs for the Pathhead Choir to perform.
- SWEET SPOT – a site-specific photography project taking place in the windows of empty shop units in Arbroath from Adam Geary.
- New work from Glasgow-based interdisciplinary artist Rosie Trevill shedding light on the hidden history of pteridomania - the Victorian obsession with fern collecting, and the experiences of queer women.
- Oh Horror: Examining Scotland’s Scary Roots - a new work by freelance writer and culture blogger Dawn Geddes examining how Scotland’s landscape, history, ghost stories and folklore has inspired generations of writers
- Fablevision's Woven in Renfrewshire - a year-long artist residency programme gathering the stories of Renfrewshire women who are carers: both formally in a health and social care setting and informally, within their families and communities.
Paul Burns, Interim Deputy Director of Arts & Engagement at Creative Scotland said: “Once again we see an inspiring collection of Open Fund projects, led by some great creative individuals and organisations. Thanks to National Lottery players, who raise over £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, these projects will continue to create opportunities for people across Scotland to experience a rich tapestry of arts and culture.”
Background
Header image: Alistair Heather (image by TWENTY21), Kathleen Jamie (photo provided by the Scottish Government).
Open Fund
- In October 2022, Creative Scotland’s Open Fund made 46 funding awards, totalling £952,603
- The Open Fund has no deadlines, and full eligibility criteria and application guidance can be found on the Creative Scotland website.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot
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