Birmingham is often referred to as the second city of the UK. In terms of population and how much there is going on, Birmingham is a busy and vibrant location. For those with an interest in the creative arts, there are many different groups and organisations that provide an opportunity for them to explore.
In this guide, we’re looking at poetry lessons and poetry classes in Birmingham, and how even beginners can access poetry classes in the city.
The city also has a link with the history of poetry, with a rich history of Birmingham poets, and some of the all-time greats inspired to create work inspired by the city, including the poem below:
As I Walked Out One Evening by W. H. Auden
As I walked out one evening,
Walking down Bristol Street,
The crowds upon the pavement
Were fields of harvest wheat.
And down by the brimming river
I heard a lover sing
Under an arch of the railway:
‘Love has no ending.
‘I’ll love you, dear, I’ll love you
Till China and Africa meet,
And the river jumps over the mountain
And the salmon sing in the street,
‘I’ll love you till the ocean
Is folded and hung up to dry
And the seven stars go squawking
Like geese about the sky.
‘The years shall run like rabbits,
For in my arms I hold
The Flower of the Ages,
And the first love of the world.’
But all the clocks in the city
Began to whirr and chime:
‘O let not Time deceive you,
You cannot conquer Time.
‘In the burrows of the Nightmare
Where Justice naked is,
Time watches from the shadow
And coughs when you would kiss.
‘In headaches and in worry
Vaguely life leaks away,
And Time will have his fancy
To-morrow or to-day.
‘Into many a green valley
Drifts the appalling snow;
Time breaks the threaded dances
And the diver’s brilliant bow.
‘O plunge your hands in water,
Plunge them in up to the wrist;
Stare, stare in the basin
And wonder what you’ve missed.
‘The glacier knocks in the cupboard,
The desert sighs in the bed,
And the crack in the tea-cup opens
A lane to the land of the dead.
‘Where the beggars raffle the banknotes
And the Giant is enchanting to Jack,
And the Lily-white Boy is a Roarer,
And Jill goes down on her back.
‘O look, look in the mirror,
O look in your distress:
Life remains a blessing
Although you cannot bless.
‘O stand, stand at the window
As the tears scald and start;
You shall love your crooked neighbour
With your crooked heart.’
It was late, late in the evening,
The lovers they were gone;
The clocks had ceased their chiming,
And the deep river ran on.
Poetry in Birmingham – Organisations and Groups
There are many different groups in Birmingham to reach out to and check out when starting your journey to learn poetry in the area. A lot of these groups are open to anyone, but it is best to check before you get started. Birmingham isn't too far from other poetry centres such as London, and the whole of the UK can benefit from learning online.
Birmingham Writers' Group
Birmingham Writers' Group serves as a supportive community for writers of all genres, including poetry. With regular meetings and workshops, this group provides a platform for writers to share their work, receive feedback, and engage in discussions about the art of writing. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just beginning your creative journey, the Birmingham Writers' Group offers a welcoming space to connect with like-minded individuals.
The group meets twice a month, and is a private group that relies on donations to keep running
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC)
MAC is a creative hub that fosters artistic expression across various disciplines, including literature. It offers a diverse range of workshops and classes, many of which are dedicated to poetry and creative writing. From introductory sessions for beginners to in-depth workshops for experienced writers, MAC provides opportunities to explore and enhance your poetic prowess.
The Arts Centre also shows films and has other regular events so it is possible to pop in for an informal chat.
They have an amazing website which shows their specific timetable of events regarding poetry. Check out the latest listings here. Carol Preston runs a lot of their poetry events and you can see her profile here.
Waterstones Birmingham
This renowned bookstore often hosts poetry readings, book launches, and writing events. Keep an eye on their event calendar for opportunities to meet established poets, attend writing workshops, and immerse yourself in the local literary scene. They occasionally have workshops but this is more a chance to meet likeminded people and even authors who visit.
Poetry Bites
Poetry Bites is a monthly poetry event held at the Kitchen Garden Café. It features established and emerging poets, providing an excellent platform for poetry enthusiasts to listen, learn, and connect with fellow literature and poetry fans.
Writers' HQ Birmingham Writing Retreats
If you're looking for intensive writing experiences, Writers' HQ offers writing retreats that cater to both beginners and experienced writers. These retreats often include dedicated time for poetry writing, as well as opportunities to receive feedback and guidance from skilled mentors.
Writers’ HQ regularly updates their site with events so you can keep track.
The GAP Arts Project
This community-driven arts project occasionally hosts creative writing workshops, providing a space for local writers to gather, learn, and share their work. The courses they run are mainly aimed at young people in the area.
https://www.thegapartsproject.co.uk/
Empower Poetry
“Empower Poetry is a platform designed to support and project the heavily under supported poetry community in Birmingham/West Midlands. Eliminating Elitism, Empowering Introverts and Extroverts. Giving a voice back to the Spoken Word Community in Birmingham /West Midlands. Paying, Platforming and Projecting Poets.”
Empower Poetry has regular events in the Birmingham region.
Educational Establishments in Birmingham Offering Creative Writing
Poetry normally forms part of the creative writing courses at any university, and that is no exception when looking to learn poetry in Birmingham. Some of the best universities in the country are based in the midlands, though London and Strathclyde in Glasgow lead the way for creative writing.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham has a renowned Department of English Literature which offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in English Literature and Creative Writing. They have a variety of modules that could include the study of poetry, as well as dedicated creative writing programs.
Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University offers courses in English and Creative Writing. These programs often include modules or specializations focused on poetry and creative writing.
Newman University
Newman University offers courses in English Literature, and while they might not have a dedicated poetry program, their English department could still cover poetry within the broader context of literature studies.
Aston University
While not traditionally known for a strong emphasis on creative writing, Aston University's English department might still have relevant courses that touch on poetry and literature.
For instance, Aston University does have an undergraduate degree in English Language and Literature.
Birmingham Adult Education Centre
An exciting opportunity for those who aren’t in formal education but want to learn via evening classes in Birmingham or part time lessons, comes from the Birmingham Adult Education Centre.
The course is called Creative Writing: Poetry Writing
“This short course of 10 hours will not only introduce you to a wide range of poetry but will also give you the opportunity to explore the language features used in poetry and – best of all - have a go at writing some poetry of your own. In each session, you will discover a different feature of poetry, and be taught how you can use them when writing your own poetry.”
Learning Online – Finding a Poetry Tutor in Birmingham
Poetry lessons and workshops in Birmingham are fairly straightforward to find, but there are those who would rather learn in the comfort of their own home, or in a one-to-one environment.
Superprof provides a brilliant solution for those who are looking for their own tuition in creative writing and poetry.
As well as offering a safe, secure platform to find tutors and professionals offering these services, you can enjoy your first lesson for free to see if you click with the tutor.
This is also a great way to tailor the lessons to exactly what you need and the areas you are interested in. There are a lot of different tutors on the platform, many of whom have a rich history in the creative arts. They can provide tailored feedback and help you to learn the areas of poetry you want to. Poetry classes for beginners can seem hard to find, but with an online tutor your ability level doesn’t matter, they will be able to create a suitable platform for you to grow and learn.
Conclusion
If you are still in education then there are a number of different establishments that can help you to learn about creative writing, and some great universities in this large and populous city.
Birmingham offers a diverse range of opportunities for individuals interested in exploring poetry and creative writing. Whether you're a seasoned poet or a curious beginner, the city's workshops, groups, and centers provide a platform for you to get started.
A lot of people choose to travel further afield for university, and Leeds and Manchester are also options up North that are not too far from Birmingham.
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