Exeter Poets

Hear new poems by Liv Torc, Shagufta K Iqbal and Fiona Benson - all specially commissioned for Herstory Exeter and inspired by the poets’ work with local communities as well as the British Library’s Unfinished Business: The Fight for Women’s Rights exhibition.

Liv explores parallels between the lives of women during COVID and those living and fighting through the two World Wars; Shagufta connects the story of 1910 Chainmaker’s strike with the experience of freelance artists and mothers today; and Fiona takes on taboos around female bodies.

The poets are joined in discussion with Chair of Virago Press and Poet in the City’s board of trustees Lennie Goodings, and British Library curator Polly Russell, who will also give an overview of the Unfinished Business exhibition.

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Fiona's powerful poetry commissioned for Herstory explores historical experiences of fertility, birth control and healthcare.
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With poems inspired by her work with local communities, join poet Ellen Moran in conversation with Chair of Virago Press, Lennie Goodings.
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Herstory Festival

Herstory is bringing together poets, activists, librarians, curators and communities to explore the unfinished fight for women’s rights in the UK through poetry, performance and discussion.
About Us

Poet in the City creates trailblazing poetry events that change the narrative and challenge the status quo. Our commissions help people and places tell their stories through deep community engagement. We are developing the next generation of poetry producers and establishing new routes into arts production. From poetry in libraries to arts centres, car parks to community venues and festivals to music halls, we present poets who can enlarge our worlds.
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Herstory Creative Call Out: What Does a City Look Like that Cares For Women?

We're inviting you to contribute to Herstory Festivals in Newcastle & Exeter.
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Woolwich Speaks

Discover a new epic poem about Woolwich via a colourful poetry street trail and online film this August
About the programme

Join the new generation of poetry producers shaping the future of live poetry.
Watch, Listen, Read

A unique collection of audio interviews, podcasts and films featuring the poets and speakers who have appeared in Poet in the City events over the last ten years.