A visionary project
The National Poetry Centre will be based in Leeds and reaching out to the world – bringing people together from every community in every corner of the UK.
Poetry is the most accessible and democratic of art forms – common to all languages and cultures. A national centre will elevate the position of poetry in national life, becoming the spiritual home for poetry as it is written, read, spoken and performed – up and down the country.
The National Poetry Centre is the flagship project of my laureateship. I want Yorkshire to offer a home to poetry and to host a venue of international significance, a national poetry HQ that will be the pride of the region.
Simon Armitage
Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom
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A spiritual Home for Poetry
From 2028 the National Poetry Centre will inhabit a landmark heritage building – breathing life back into the historic Trinity St David’s, creating a vibrant public space in celebration of poetry around the UK. The National Poetry Centre will house an auditorium, cafés, performances areas, exhibitions, archives, libraries, shared work spaces and much more.
It will be at the heart of a major national programme of literacy and emotional wellbeing for children and young people, focussed on poetry.
A PLATFORM FOR VOICES IN EVERY community in every corner of the UK
Partnership is everything
We can only deliver this transformational project by working in partnership with a wide range of people and organisations across the UK. We are delighted that significant major partners have already come together to help make the National Poetry Centre a reality including Leeds City Council, University of Leeds, Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
We are continuing to develop partnerships to help us to connect with people and communities across Leeds, West Yorkshire and the UK. Current partners and supporters include the National Literacy Trust, The Poetry School, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Faber, Charlotte Aitken Trust and Addleshaw Goddard.
We want to hear from you too. To find out more or to discuss partnerships please do contact us:
The National Poetry Centre is proudly working together with:
Bernardine EvaristoBloodaxe BooksCarcanet PressDame Carol Ann Duffy – former UK Poet LaureateDr Jessica Gardner- University Librarian & Director of Library Services, Cambridge University
Charlotte Aitken Trust
Faber
Forward Arts FoundationGillian Clarke – former National Poet of WalesGuy GarveyJackie KayJarvis CockerJoan BakewellKathleen Jamie – Scottish former Makar, National Poet of Scotland
West Yorkshire Combined AuthorityYorkshire Sculpture ParkZadie Smith
News
Poetry and the Arts Council’s Developing Your Creative Practice Fund
Poetry and the Arts Council’s Developing Your Creative Practice Fund 14th May 2025 The National Poetry Centre is keen to share opportunities that support poets
Team
Nick Barley
Director
Nick is an acclaimed events organiser and a champion of books and ideas. Before joining the National Poetry Centre he was director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival and a trustee of the Booker Prize Foundation.
Emily Penn
Operations Manager
Emily is an experienced arts manager. Prior to joining the National Poetry Centre, she has worked for a range of cultural organisations including the National Science and Media Museum and Arts Council England.
Ruth Pitt
Chair
Ruth is a specialist in film and TV production growth outside London. She is Director of the Creative Cities Convention and Managing Director of Under The Moon Ltd, developing creative diversity in the screen sector.
Simon Armitage
Trustee
Simon is current national Poet Laureate and is Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds. He has written extensively for television and theatre and has was won numerous awards including the Queen’s Gold Medal for poetry.
Pervinder Kaur
Trustee
Pervinder is a partner of law firm Addleshaw Goddard, leading their Private Capital Group, and is Head of their Leeds office.
Jane Madeley
Trustee
Jane is Chief Financial Officer of the University of Leeds. She was a trustee of the Hepworth Wakefield until 2023.
Peter Bearpark
Trustee
Peter is Director of Asset and Property Management at Bruntwood SciTech and an experienced Chartered Surveyor.
Masud Khokhar
Trustee
Masud is the Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection at the University of Leeds. He is the current chair of Research Libraries UK.
Sharon Gladish
Trustee
Sharon is an experienced financial restructuring advisor and Director of Interpath Advisory. She was a trustee of Leeds 2023.
Susan Pitter
Trustee
Susan is a cultural heritage and partnerships producer and Director of the Jamaica Society’s ‘Out of Many’ festival.
Sarah Maxfield
Trustee
