The City of Nanaimo presents “Poetry in the Park”

A new project with Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate brings together poetry and nature

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 10, 2024 11:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is pleased to present “Poetry in the Park”, an innovative new project with Nanaimo's Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar, adding poetry to Bowen Park. While in the park, look for lines of poetry with attached QR codes at five scenic locations and enjoy “Poetry in the Park”! By using personal devices to access QR codes, viewers can enjoy virtual poetry readings by Poet Laureate, Kamal, in corresponding locations throughout the Park. The beauty of the surrounding environment is enhanced as Kamal reads poems inspired by the scenery, encouraging new perspective on ways in which the Park can be enjoyed, and highlighting intersections between recreation and culture.

As Poet Laureate, Kamal aims to raise the profile of poetry in Nanaimo and activate poetry as a tool for healing, fostering connection between people of all ages. “Poetry in the Park” showcases Kamal’s literary talents, encouraging the public to engage with poetry in new and unexpected ways while embracing the very nature her poetry captures so profoundly.

“Poetry in the Park” can be accessed using personal devices and available QR codes while on location in Bowen Park, or through the City of Nanaimo’s YouTube channel.

More information on Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate program can be found on the City’s website.

Link to Strategic Plan: This initiative links to the City’s commitment to make arts and culture visible and accessible. It’s one of the ways the City is supporting arts, culture and recreation as an integral part of everyday life.

Key Points

“Poetry in the Park” is an innovative new project with the City of Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar, adding poetry to Bowen Park.
By using personal devices to access QR codes, viewers can enjoy virtual poetry readings by Poet Laureate, Kamal, in corresponding locations throughout the Park.
“Poetry in the Park” showcases Kamal’s literary talents, encouraging the public to engage with poetry in new and unexpected ways while embracing the very nature, her poetry captures so profoundly.

Quotes

"What better way to celebrate poetry month than by experiencing this unique project in one of our beautiful public parks. Poetry helps us understand and appreciate the world around us, and we’re thrilled to make this art form even more accessible, awaiting you on your next nature walk!"

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"I feel a strange sensation come over me, a wave of euphoria washing me off my feet, taking me higher and higher into a realm of happiness. I feel joy coursing through my veins. I am speechless."

Kamal Parmar

Poet Laureate

City of Nanaimo

Images

Poetry in the Park

Nanaimo Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar reading "Ushering in Twilight"

Videos

Links

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Contact:

For media inquiries, please contact

Communications

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

Media.Requests@nanaimo.ca

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