Here is the latest news on our contribution to the Heatons Arts Trail: -

Since our primary role will be to translate artistic products into words of poetry, I think our general theme should be ‘synaesthesia’ – that is, the translation of one artistic medium into another. This would work in two ways:

1. The translation of musical performance into poetry.
2. The translation of art/artistic process into poetry.

As I have said, the best approach would be to do real-time ‘tweet poems’ or Twaiku – that is, poems of 140 characters. The best of these would be used on the event’s website in ‘real time’ to celebrate each event or activity. The twaikus will be defined by a hashtag. Of course, smart phones will be required for this. This doesn’t have to exclude those without smart phones though, as others can ‘tweet’ for them. Also, Twaiku ‘sequences’ could be developed around particular events. Ultimately, all this would lead to a book of Twaikus being produced, with the best of them being integrated into the long-term marketing of the event. And if people don’t want to be limited to Twaiku, write what you like – I’m sure we’ll fit it in, somehow.

However, there are several other avenues for poetic expression, for the bolder ones amongst us (Andy, Nigel, Linda and, of course, Dave):

1. One of the musicians at the event is Pete Scullion, a fantastic blues guitarist. He says he has improvised musical performances to poetry before now and would be willing to improvise to some of our work. And St. Thomas’s Hall is going to be used for a blues / choral performance. A great opportunity!
2.  There are going to be several musical events where the poet will have the opportunity to improvise to music.

Take a look at the venues / events below, consider when/where/how you would like to contribute and get back to me as soon as possible (somewhat before the 4^th of June):  

* Backs Deli – want an event on Thursday 25th July – probably more appropriate for spoken word performance – contact details on Facebook

* Pokuveskis deli – display art work / spoken word performance – contact details on Facebook

* Thom’s Bar – contact details on Facebook

* Town Bar – free space between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm – contact jo@townbar.co.uk

* Heatons Library will host a music event between 12 and 2 on the Saturday. Must had Performing Rights Licence and any electrical equipment must be PAT tested. Contact joy.guest@stockport.gov.uk

* If we do not have enough space – when all the above venues are filled – there is a possibility of the community centre in Heaton Norris or St Thomas’s church in Heaton Chapel. If anyone is still struggling for a venue please let me know urgently and I will pass on their details to you.

* Andrea Stafford is speaking to the Halle ensembles and also to the Head of Stockport music services (local schools) – I’ve written to her about organising potential venue for music events including the choir. I’ve contacted the Savoy as a potential venue for music events – would be nice to get the Savoy on the map. No reply yet but will chase it up this weekend.

* I’ve written to the poets (Stockport Write Out Loud) and the writing groups to see if we can fill some of the available venues (Thoms Bar, Backs, Pokuveskis) with some spoken work performances or a poetry workshop.

* Pete Scullion has given me details of three acts who want to take part. They will be part of open mic session at The Kro on Sunday night but may also perform elsewhere during the weekend. They are sorting out venues.

* There are two potential venues – St Thomas’ church and Heaton Norris Community centre. No contact made with either yet – can we fill them – we still have spaces in the Delis’

* Heatons Library may be able to host a musical event 12.00 – 2.00 on Saturday

* The writing groups may want to meet an artist prior to the event and use the visit as a writing prompt – awaiting details.