News

Arts Council England Funding Decision

The Poetry Trust has not been awarded NPO status from Arts Council England for the period 2012-15. The Arts Council has been a long term supporter and funder of The Poetry Trust and we’re grateful for its investment to date, for how much it has valued the importance and quality of what we do for contemporary poetry.

This NPO decision is clearly a major blow and disappointment which will take time to digest. However, nothing changes the importance or quality of what we do for today’s poets, for poetry audiences and for poetry itself – all of which comes together with fantastic energy at our internationally acclaimed and hugely well-attended Aldeburgh Poetry Festival (now in its 23rd year).

The Poetry Trust’s board of trustees and core team will now examine how best we can go forwards and whether the organisation has a viable future. There may be other Arts Council funding avenues to explore. There are certainly partnership opportunities to consider. Although it’s too early for specific answers or plans, our first priority will be to look to existing and new funders and friends to make sure that, at very least, the Aldeburgh Poetry Festival can have a future.

Please email if you can support The Poetry Trust in any way.