Renowned Poets Sought to Enrich Cleethorpes' £7.9m Pier Gardens Revitalization

Cleethorpes, a charming seaside town in North East Lincolnshire, is embarking on an ambitious £7.9m regeneration project to transform its iconic Pier Gardens into a vibrant public space. As part of this initiative, the North East Lincolnshire Council is seeking a skilled poet or spoken word artist to create an original piece that will be permanently installed within the gardens.

This unique opportunity invites creatives to collaborate with the community and local stakeholders to craft a short poem that encapsulates the essence of Cleethorpes and its cherished coastline. The selected poet will lead interactive sessions with local residents during July and August, drawing inspiration from their stories and experiences to shape the final piece.

The poem will be featured on the 'P' bench, a distinctive element of the Public Realm Trail, which is designed to mimic the Cleethorpes coastline. This interactive trail will encourage visitors to explore the gardens, with each letter of the word CLEETHORPES serving as a waypoint, offering seating, play areas, and interpretation points that connect visitors to the town's landscape, ecology, and heritage.

The Pier Gardens regeneration project is a key component of the Cleethorpes Masterplan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalizing the town's public spaces and promoting economic growth. The project has received significant funding from the UK Government and is expected to inject new life into the area, enhancing the overall visitor experience and fostering a sense of community pride.

Aspiring poets and spoken word artists interested in this opportunity must submit a proposal outlining their approach to accessible and inclusive engagement, methods for gathering insights and stories, and examples of previous work. The successful candidate will be appointed to lead the community sessions and create the final poem, which will be installed within the 'P' bench structure.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, June 22, at 4 pm, and applicants can email their proposals to createnortheastlincolnshire@nelincs.gov.uk. Decisions will be made by July 6, and the successful artist will be notified and advised on the next steps for delivery.

This project presents a unique chance for poets and spoken word artists to leave a lasting legacy in Cleethorpes and contribute to the town's rich cultural heritage. As the Pier Gardens transformation takes shape, the selected poet's work will become an integral part of the town's identity, inspiring visitors and residents alike to appreciate the beauty and charm of Cleethorpes.

For more information on the Pier Gardens project and the Cleethorpes Masterplan, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/pier-gardens. The Create North East Lincolnshire website also provides detailed guidance on the application process and the project's objectives.