BEVERLEY – A new East Riding Poet Laureate has been appointed to help bring poetry into libraries, schools and communities across the county.
Charlotte Oliver has been chosen by East Riding Libraries following a competitive selection process. She succeeds Cassandra Parkin and will spend the coming years promoting poetry through workshops, performances and community events across the East Riding.
The role is designed to make poetry more accessible and encourage people of all ages to discover creative writing, whether they are experienced writers or trying it for the first time.
As Poet Laureate, Charlotte will work with libraries and community groups throughout the county, while also writing commissioned poems to mark significant local occasions. She will also mentor East Riding’s Young Poet Laureate, Elspeth Snelling, supporting the development of young writers.
Announcing the appointment, Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said Charlotte’s work would help remove barriers around poetry and encourage more residents to explore creative writing.
Charlotte said she was “overjoyed” to have been appointed and described the East Riding as “a magical, unique place”.
“I love working within the community to show how poetry has something to offer everybody,” she said. “I look forward to building on the excellent work that Cassandra has done in the role, as well as sharing ideas with Elspeth, our brilliant Young Poet Laureate.”
Charlotte takes over from Cassandra Parkin, who helped establish the role as a visible part of East Riding Libraries’ cultural programme. During her tenure, the service expanded its poetry activities through initiatives including the annual poetry competition, Poetry Palooza and the creation of the East Riding Young Poet Laureate.
East Riding Libraries says Charlotte’s appointment will continue that work by encouraging more people to engage with poetry through local events, workshops and performances.
Residents interested in finding out more about the East Riding Libraries Poetry Programme can find further information through the Arts in Libraries initiative.
Feature image: East Riding Council