A NEW project launched by D-LUX, organisers of Dumfries’ annual Festival of Light, is set to see local poets’ verse illuminated on an LED road traffic sign going on display in the town later this summer.
A collaboration between the non-for-profit organisation and Dumfries and Galloway-based writers JoAnne McKay, Hugh McMillan and Derek Ross, ‘Road Works’ is seeking submissions of poems to display on a matrix sign which is being placed in Dumfries High Street from August 14 to 21.
Local writers of all abilities are being urged to put pen to paper and get involved and organisers have specified that submissions should be no longer than eight lines long with a maximum of 26 characters on each line (including spaces and any punctuation) so they can fit on the sign.
Furthermore, JoAnne, Hugh and Derek, who all specialise in short-form poetry, will be leading free workshops over the next few weeks for anyone who wants to share and develop ideas with professional writers ahead of the submission cut-off date of August 9.
D-Lux creative director Robbie Coleman said: “The road sign is perfect for a stripped-back, short-line poetry style, which is why we’ve asked three top local poets who specialise in short forms to run some public workshops for us.
“In the hands of the region’s established and first-time poets alike, the sign becomes a powerful way to explore and share the thoughts of local people on the last year, as well as hopes and dreams for the future.”
To find out more, submit a poem, or book a place on one of the workshops, visit www.d-lux.org.uk
