In September 2021 we hosted an inspiring online exhibition that emerged from conversations at our regular poetry nights. Struggle, exhaustion, and deep sadness became regular themes for us as we navigated worldwide and nearby heart-breaking loss and isolation. As we sensed the precariousness and hardship for everyone at that time, we started to consider how we could respond and look out for each other. We found the words of Frederich Buechner to be a helpful anchor for our thoughts. 

Our ‘Here is the World’ exhibition joined artists and poets to mark the moment we found ourselves in, to write honestly about living, surviving, thriving, about exhaustion, overwhelm and keeping going.

The poets went first, writing personal reflections on their mental health at that time, followed by the artists who never having met the poet, freely offered their time and creativity to interpret those words and create beautiful pieces of art to accompany each poem.

The exhibition above was shared on a late summer Sunday afternoon, September 2021, it was a moment for small rejoicing in connection with people from all over the World who offered their words to each other for hope and comfort.

Thank you to Odhrán McNulty for coordinating the art, he is a wonder and his art is wondrous, check him out on IG @artmcn. Other Artist insta accounts are noted on each of the pieces of art in the presentation if you’d like to make contact.

Since this we have printed postcards with art on one side and poetry on the other, they all include helpline numbers  for those who would like to get support. These will be given out at our now live gigs, if you’d like a pack, drop us a line at info@pubpoetry.co.uk.