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THE CITY
Caleb takes over from Vanessa Kisuule
Caleb Parkin has been named the new Bristol city poet, following in the footsteps of Vanessa Kisuule and Miles Chambers. Facilitator and filmmaker to boot, Caleb’s passions lie in inclusive environmentalism, wellbeing, arts, culture and heritage, and LGBT+ pride. “I’m excited to see in what direction Caleb will take the third incarnation of the Bristol city poet role,” said Bristol’s mayor Marvin Rees. “With his background in performance and education I am confident Caleb will approach the balancing act of accessibility and engagement which this role strongly demands with passion and creativity. I look forward to seeing the results during his time as city poet to capture and distil the stories in our city.” Traditionally – and in line with the national Poet Laureate objectives – the city poet taps into public opinion and acts as a communicator of local views and what makes the city tick. The role includes 10 formal commissions to be written over the next two years, alongside engaging local communities and young people with poetry. “I’m flabbergasted, fizzy and delighted,” said Caleb. “Vanessa Kisuule has done a magnificent job with poems which celebrate, commemorate and challenge and I’m honoured to be inheriting the post. We’re living through a period of great uncertainty. “As a writing-for-wellbeing practitioner, I know that poetry has a role to play in comforting those in need. It can also challenge us to imagine different futures and ask useful questions about our city. I hope to give voice to our kaleidoscope of experiences. Remember: especially on a sunny day, Bristol is already a poem.” • Follow Caleb on Twitter: @CalebParkin
Whose future? A new collaboration curated by Rising Arts Agency is amplifying creative voices throughout Bristol. #WhoseFuture showcases works from 40 young Bristolians, giving them a platform while also asking important questions about the city’s future, on the city’s streets. Rising Arts – a community of creative thinkers aged 16-30 empowering Bristol’s underrepresented young people to fulfil their ambitions and to affect change through the arts – has joined forces with Out of Hand and Bristol City Council for the billboard campaign, in response to the lockdown’s impact on young people, and the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement. Celebrating a striking portfolio of bold visual multimedia imagery the project presents an opportunity for young people to be heard. “As an arts agency, our mission has always been to champion the unheard voices of creative young people and to fight for a fairer society,” said Rosa ter Kuile, #WhoseFuture Campaign Manager. “Recent events have shown us that our work has never been so important. #WhoseFuture is about challenging the status quo, bringing Bristol’s young creative community forward and celebrating a different vision for the future.” Out of Hand is a design, print, distribution and outdoor media company based in South Bristol, which operates its own outdoor advertising network throughout the city. In support of the #WhoseFuture the team has donated locations free of charge throughout the exhibition duration. “While other outdoor media owners have ‘paused’ their sites until paid advertising returns, we have worked hard to come up with meaningful ways to utilise the space and give something meaningful back to the community who have supported us prepandemic,” said Nigel Muntz, Out of Hand commercial director. “We are really excited to donate the majority of our advertising sites for this month-long exhibition, which will reach all corners of the city.” Out of Hand is also creating an online shop to showcase and sell the works on display, as well as managing the print and delivery. The commission has been made possible by using Section 106 developer contributions funding for Public Art, secured through the planning system. The commission has also been supported by the developers of The Chocolate Factory, Generator Group South West and The Burgh Arts project. • rising.org.uk
12 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
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SUMMER 2020
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No 191
WELL VERSED This month: a topical poem courtesy of Huw Parsons
Watershed Moment Colston once as frock-coated figure Looked down from a mighty pedestal, A century old vanity in bronze Which it seemed would never fall.
So we were surprised how easily Old Colston bit the dust, A few tugs on flimsy ropes And headlong the tyrant thrust.
Then 'dragged along by hostile hands' And danced upon by sneakered feet, Bristol's 'wise and virtuous son' Was clanking rolled along the street.
So on went this sugar daddy, On went this founding father, To meet his Watershed moment By the side of the Floating Harbour.
Oh sink, sink, to the bottom of the drink To a resting place quite choice, Far from the jeering crowds And the people's placarded voice. Image by Colin Moody
Rhyme and reason
• If you have some poetry or creative writing that you’d like to submit for potential publication, email editor@thebristolmagazine.co.uk
