We are delighted to reintroduce Rhyme Rag, anticipating another year brimming with exceptional work from young people. The Kilkenny Arts Office will be sending poets Alice Bennett and Enda Coyle-Greene into Secondary Schools. Over the course of the workshops the writers will guide students through the art of poetry writing. These workshops will impart essential techniques and skills, enabling students to develop their work and refine their expressive intent.
The aim of these workshops is to foster and inspire a deep engagement with poetry among young people, encouraging them to undertake the creation of their own poems. The Rhyme Rag programme aims to dispel any mysticism surrounding poetry writing, making it more accessible and demonstrating that poetry is an art form for everyone to experience and enjoy. Writing poetry can be a profoundly rewarding and personal endeavor, and we hope the Rhyme Rag programme to creates enriching experience for all participants.
The quality of work produced by the young people has been consistently impressive, and the breadth of subject matter is always exciting. This year, we are delighted to announce that Poet Jessica Traynor will be our Rhyme Rag Editor. Jessica has been an integral part of Rhyme Rag for the past two years, serving as a workshop facilitator. Her extensive experience with the programme and her active engagement with young participants provide her with a unique perspective and deep understanding when reviewing poetry submissions.
Once the 12 poems are selected they will be shared here on the Rhyme Rag website and Instagram account. We eagerly anticipate sharing these works with you, as they are always a joy to read and discover.