Lambeth’s first Poet Laureate looks back – and forward

Summary Benna, Lambeth’s first poet laureate, wrote and performed a poem to inspire the borough’s creative community as a farewell to his year in office.

Natural choice

Raised and educated in Lambeth, Benna’s appointment as Poet Laureate was a natural choice. As an established Spoken Word artist, he was well suited to fill the inaugural post of Poet Laureate and has continued to inspire everyone who has seen him perform or worked with him: from school children to young creatives, cultural organizations such as Southbank Center and The Brixton Project, Lambeth staff and residents.

His passion for nurturing young talent and amplifying diverse voices aligns perfectly with Lambeth’s values ​​of ambition, kindness, equity and responsibility.

Looking back on the Laureate year

“I was inaugurated as Poet Laureate for Lambeth on 27 October 2022. Imagine having the support and resources of the entire borough behind you as an artist.

“It was an insightful experience. I wrote new poems and performed in the town and for cultural networks, facilitated workshops in schools to share my experience of the power of art and helped to promote Lambeth’s homegrown talent.

“The main thing I learned is that art really has the power to move culture, and a big part of the role was sharing that insight, which inspired this poem and film.”

As a parting gift, Benna has one more poem to share, dedicated to emerging artists who will carry on his legacy of creativity and community. We thank him for his passion, creativity and unwavering commitment to our shared vision for a brighter and more vibrant future.

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