Bristol poet Shagufta Iqbal produces new work for World Mental Health Day

Bristol poet Shagufta Iqbal produces new work for World Mental Health Day

Posted on: 07 Oct 2020

The poem was written as part of a citywide celebration of Bristol's literary heritage.

 

Bristol poet and Writer-in-Residence at Glenside Hospital Museum, Shagufta Iqbal, has finished work on a new poem as part of A Poetic City, a citywide project set up to celebrate the history of literature and poetry in Bristol.

 

One of four writers chosen to take part in the project, Shagufta's new work explores how people have fared through lockdown, how we can come together and how we can support those most isolated in our communities through months of uncertainty.

 

Her poem will be released on the Glenside Hospital Museum website this Saturday 10 October, on the internationally-recognised World Mental Health Day.

 

 

Launched in early 2020, A Poetic City appointed four local writers to work in four key cultural venues in Bristol, in the hope of producing a body of work to shine a light on Bristol's artistic heritage.

 

The project launch coincides with the 250th anniversary of the death of Bristol-born poet Thomas Chatterton, widely regarded as "the father of Romantic Poetry".

 

The collaborative A Poetic City project offers a unique opportunity to link contemporary poets and poetry to influential figures and techniques from the past, and bring forgotten stories back into the fold.

 

Alongside Shagufta, contributors include writer and theatre director Emma Williams, former Bath Young Poet Laureate Polly Denny and writer Rebecca Tantony.

 

Speaking ahead of the release of her new work, Shagufta said: "I am so excited to be selected as a poet for the Glenside Museum residency. The conversations this residency looks to shed a light on, is such an important one.

 

"Discussing mental health and wellbeing, (particularly in the last few months) is something we need to stop shying away from. Poetry is a beautiful tool to bring a space of safety to look at healing where we feel most vulnerable.

 

"I hope we can bring an honest and hopeful element to our shared stories and truths."

 

For more information, or to follow news and updates, follow the #BristolPoeticCity hashtag on Twitter or head to the Poetic City Facebook page.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.