Leamington artist helps inspire people to create poetry-inspired art

Ann Loscombe, Warwickshire Libraries' Fusion artist in residence.

Ann Loscombe has been appointed the new FUSION artist in residence for Warwickshire libraries, a post set up by the libraries’ poetry team. FUSION is a new project they are working on to explore the relationship between poetry and other art forms.

Ann said: “I am delighted to be appointed artist in residence at Kenilworth library. I often use poetry as inspiration for my work and am pleased to have the opportunity of bringing together art and poetry to create something specifically for Kenilworth.

“I would like people to come along to the library and tell me about a poem that makes them laugh or cry, brings back memories or has helped them through a special time.

“The artwork that will be created at the end of this project will be determined entirely by the input of the participants. That means that everyone who joins in and finds a poem will play a part in the finished piece.”

Sessions started today (August 2), but there are plenty of chances to get involved: on Friday August 6 at Warwick library from 10am to 12pm and at Lillington library from 2pm to 4pm; on Monday August 8 at Kenilworth library from 10am to 12pm and at Whitnash library from 2pm to 4pm; on Thursday August 11 at Kenilworth library from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm; on Saturday August 13 at Kenilworth library from 11am to 1pm and at Leamington library from 2pm to 4pm; on Tuesday August 16 at Kenilworth library from 10am to 12pm and at Warwick library from 3pm to 5pm; on Thursday August 25 at Kenilworth library from 2pm to 4pm and at Leamington library from 5pm to 7pm; and on Friday September 2 at Kenilworth library from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.

The new artwork will be unveiled at Kenilworth library on National Poetry Day, Thursday October 6.

FUSION is part of the Arts Council England-funded Warwickshire Poetry Voices project, run by the county council’s library service. The scheme has also been funded by Warwick District Council. Visit warwickshire.gov.uk/warwickshirepoetryvoices