Article Source: ConFAB
Last Updated: 26 February 2024 12:49
12 young pupils from Hillhead Primary, current title holders of Slam Masters of the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, were the opening performance at a special parliamentary reception by Creative Scotland to celebrate the arts at the Scottish Parliament. The pupils performed the winning poem: Nature and individual winner, Lily Blake, performed: ‘Don’t be in Such a Rush to Grow Up’.
The event was hosted by Keith Brown MSP, with Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland and Robert Wilson, Chair, Creative Scotland. Speaking at the event was Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture. Also in attendance were Kaukab Stewart, SNP; Neil Bibby, Scottish Labour; Alexander Stuart, Scottish Conservatives; Michelle Thomson, SNP and more. Also in attendance were several arts organisations funded by Creative Scotland, including National Theatre of Scotland and other local and national arts organisations. The event celebrated the reach, impact, and diversity of arts funding in Scotland. The school performed their winning group and individual poems to an audience of MSP’s, policy makers and leading arts organisations from across the country.
Iain Munro, Chief Executive at Creative Scotland said: “The opening performance of Hillhead Primary’s bright pupils sent a strong message that the future of arts and culture in Scotland is in safe hands. Their evocative words demonstrated exactly the purpose of the arts – to hold a mirror to ourselves and society to reflect on. Every adult in the room went away with something to think about from these talented young people. They are worthy winners of the Scottish Poetry Slam, and we look forward to hearing more from each of their flourishing creative voices.”
Lois Lurinsky, Deputy Head Teacher, Hillhead Primary School, commented: “Our pupils and staff had a wonderful evening at the Creative Scotland Parliamentary Reception. We were overjoyed to win both the individual and group categories of the Scottish Poetry Slam last year and to be invited to such an exciting event was the icing on the cake! Working with ConFAB has provided our pupils with inspiration to develop their creative poetry skills and last night they were able to experience the thrill of performing for a live audience – an experience I am sure all involved will treasure.”
Rachel McJury, Artistic Director of ConFAB, Founders of Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, said: “It was a wonderful opportunity for the young people, and they were all amazing! We have been running youth poetry slams for 20 years now and witnessing the young people find their voices and share their experiences in such creative, talented, and transformative ways never tires. Creative Scotland’s recognition of the power of the arts to increase wellbeing, self-empowerment and opportunities for young people was greatly received.”
Now in its fifth year, the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam is a bi-annual competition, encouraging young people to embrace language through poetry and spoken word. The project invites young people from the whole of Scotland to take part in music, poetry and performance workshops leading up to Scottish Youth Poetry Slam. The Slam crosses traditional barriers by using fun, youth culture elements to nurture language and literacy and to engage young people in literature and culture and upskill them with creative ways to manage mental health.
The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.
READ MOREScotland’s favourite out-of-this-world event, Galactic Carnival, is preparing to launch in Glasgow this spring, promising an intergalactic adventure packed with thrills!
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MOREScottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MOREThe Social Darts bar, with venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh, turns 10 this year and kicks off the year-long celebrations with a seriously cool competition!
READ MOREOver 80 pupils from St Paul's High School in Pollok took part in the national enterprise programme.
READ MORETop amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.
READ MORELive Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.
READ MOREPavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MOREBBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MOREAre you tired of the same old dating shows? Ready for something new, fresh, and LOL funny? Look no further than Looking for Laughs, the dating show that's turning the concept upside down!
READ MORESpearheaded by independent Glasgow-based design studio, Graven, the renovation will see a complete transformation and expansion of one of Scotland’s most established heritage hotels.
READ MOREThe King's Theatre are delighted to announce that former Strictly Come Dancing professional Janette Manrara will join the UK tour of CHICAGO as Roxie Hart, making her musical theatre debut!
READ MOREVue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
READ MOREPlatform announces its new lunchtime offering to help beat those January Blues without breaking the bank.
READ MOREA woman from Glasgow has become the first ever Scottish voice to be heard on Ring Video Doorbells, following a nationwide casting search by the smart home security company.
READ MOREGlasgow Attractions have launched a series of special offers to celebrate Glasgow 850 and to thank residents for making the city a great place to visit!
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
READ MOREThe King's Theatre Glasgow are delighted to announce the full cast for the Scottish premiere of hit production Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, as part of its first ever UK and Ireland tour.
READ MOREGlasgow Film Festival 2025 has announced the full programme for its 21st edition. Scotland's largest annual celebration of cinema will showcase 92 World, UK and Scottish premieres from 39 countries.
READ MOREGlasgow City Council has officially launched its Glasgow 850 programme for 2025, a spectacular year-long celebration marking 850 years since the city gained Burgh status!
READ MOREStrictly Come Dancing professionals Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez are thrilled to bring their all-new show SPEAKEASY to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall next month!
READ MOREGlasgow's leading running club, Solemates, is marking its first anniversary in style by teaming up with Granary Quay to host a unique social run club and coffee morning.
READ MOREThe Noble is set to open next month in Glasgow's city centre, re-imagining the classic British pub and taking an elevated yet unpretentious approach to hospitality.
READ MOREAfter a successful 2024 festival, comprising over 130 events and reaching total audience numbers of over 110,000, the third annual WestFest will take place this year from 1st to 29th June.
READ MOREDog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.
READ MORECeltic Connections kicks off today with this year's edition featuring renowned artists, secret sets, and unique collaborations, showcasing traditional, folk, world, and roots music!
READ MOREIRN-BRU and YO! are reimagining Burns Suppers, teaming up to fuse sushi with haggis to help Glaswegians celebrate Scotland's National Day with a 2025 twist.
READ MORESilverburn, has announced a record-breaking amount has been raised in 2024 in support of its long-standing charity partner, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
READ MOREFrightFest, the UK's top horror film festival, returns to Glasgow Film Festival for its 20th year. Expect terrifying world premieres, short films and more all at the iconic Glasgow Film Theatre!
READ MORE