Forward Arts Foundation ensures everyone has access to the transformative power of poetry. We run a one-day poetry festival for over 2.3 million children and communities nationwide so that they can experience the joy and connection of poetry, while building their wellbeing.

Categories

  • Arts/Culture/Heritage Arts/​Culture/​Heritage
  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
Beneficiaries

  • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
  • General Public/Humankind General Public/​Humankind
  • Minority Groups Minority Groups

Poetry connects us to diverse cultures, fostering empathy, understanding, and self-expression. It supports mental health, dismantles biases, and unites people through shared stories. However, poetry is facing challenges: access in schools is declining, opportunities for diverse poets are limited, and many people struggle to see their lives and experiences reflected in the artform. We aim to revitalise poetry, ensuring its transformative power reaches and resonates with everyone.

National Poetry Day, the UK’s largest poetry celebration, engages 2.4 million children annually, often introducing them to poetry for the first time. In 2025, the theme of Play will highlight poetry’s creative and joyful potential, inspiring exploration through wordplay, nonsense, and imaginative challenges. Activities like Poetry Sports Days, puzzles, and scavenger hunts will bring poetry to life, spreading joy, boosting wellbeing and fostering a lifelong love of poetry for all participants.

Categories

  • Arts/Culture/Heritage Arts/​Culture/​Heritage
  • Education/Training/Employment Education/​Training/​Employment
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
Beneficiaries

  • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
  • General Public/Humankind General Public/​Humankind
  • Minority Groups Minority Groups