Performer and filmmaker Caleb Parker has been announced as Bristol's next City Poet.
He follows in the footsteps of Vanessa Kisuule, who recently wrote about Edward Colston, and Miles Chambers.
The announcement was made by Mayor Marvin Rees today (June 26).
Caleb, who says he is 'flabbergasted' to take the role, will hold the position from 2020 to 2022.
The role is a partnership between Bristol City Office and Bristol Cultural Development Partnership, known for programming the popular Festival of Ideas series.
Caleb is described as a poet, performer, facilitator and filmmaker with a passion for inclusive environmentalism; wellbeing; arts, culture and heritage; and LGBT+ pride.
His poems have been published widely in journals including Poetry Review, The Rialto, Butcher’s Dog, Under the Radar, Coast to Coast to Coast, Envoi and Magma, and online.
Talking about getting the role, Caleb said: “I'm flabbergasted, fizzy and delighted to be taking up the role of Bristol City Poet.
"Vanessa Kisuule has done a magnificent job over the last couple of years, with poems which celebrate, commemorate and challenge - and I'm honoured to be inheriting the post from her. 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 write delicious poems for the people of Bristol, which embrace the city's playful spirit - and to create spaces which give voice to our kaleidoscope of experiences. Remember: especially on a sunny day, Bristol is already a poem.”
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Mr Rees said: “I’m excited to see in what direction Caleb will take the third incarnation of the Bristol City Poet role, building on the strong foundations set by current City Poet Vanessa Kisuule.
"I have been impressed by the energy Vanessa has brought to the role and her willingness to challenge the city in her poetry.
"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.”
