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Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 November 2024. It was answered by Baroness Twycross (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 November 2024 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.


Poetry

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to promote poetry in public institutions and cultural programmes.

Answer

After 14 years of indifference and cultural vandalism, this government is committed to making sure that arts and cultural activities will no longer be the preserve of a privileged few.

The Department for Culture and Media and Sport, via its Arms Length body, Arts Council England (ACE) plays an important role in promoting poetry, primarily through its grants and support for arts institutions, festivals, and individual practitioners.

For example, ACE supports the Poetry Society who promote poetry through innovative education and commissioning programmes, performances, readings and competitions for all ages across the country. The Ledbury Poetry festival, also supported by ACE, brings together world leading poets to read, debate and share their work during its main programme over two weeks in the summer, and continues throughout the year with projects that involve local schools and hundreds of local people through its community projects.

Additionally, as the national development agency for libraries in England, ACE also supports public libraries through funding, advocacy and collaboration. Public libraries promote poetry by encouraging reader development and helping to inspire, educate, support and entertain people of all ages and backgrounds.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1963
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Poetry
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk