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Poetry in Motion

Translink Launches Poetry in Motion Campaign in Partnership with Ulster University.

Translink, in collaboration with Ulster University, have launched Poetry in Motion. A poetry campaign encouraging passengers to share their poems celebrating the rich literary and connections between people, places and things across the country.

Poetry in Motion will see a series of events, poets in residence on Translink bus and train routes, and other events hosted across Northern Ireland as well as an open submission for aspiring poets to submit poems which capture the connections made possible through bus and rail travel.  

Translink and Ulster University are inviting passengers to participate in the Poetry in Motion campaign, celebrating the life connections made possible by public transport. Whether you travel by train, Metro, Urby, Foyle Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus, or Goldliner, Translink and Ulster University are encouraging you to share your poems which highlight the connections made possible through public transport.

Submissions should focus on themes such as education, economy, environment, health, and community. These connections could relate to family and friends, work and services, events or key life moments, communities, our planet, or self-reflection. A selection of poems will be featured in a special poetry booklet to be launched in the Autumn.

For more information, visit www.translink.co.uk/poetryinmotion and stay updated with #TranslinkPoetryInMotion.

Rules on Submission

  • Submissions should be typed and sent via email to PoetryinMotion@Translink.co.uk
  • The deadline for entries is 31 October 2024.
  • Poems should be submitted in text format. No images or videos will be accepted.
  • The poem should not exceed 40 lines.
  • The entrant’s poem should be about the connections you make through public transport. You can reflect on your journeys and how they connect you to family, friends, community, school or university, work, events, key life moments, or even your own thoughts. Entrants can embrace themes like journeys taken on public transport, education, economy, environment, health, and community.
  • Poems must be the entrant’s original work and unpublished.
  • Plagiarism will result in disqualification.
  • Entries should include- name, town/county, telephone number and email address.
  • You may submit one poem.
  • Entrants must be based in Northern Ireland, Ireland, or GB
  • There is no age limit - Participants under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian.
  • All entries must be via email.
  • Postal entries are not accepted.
  • Entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges.
  • Judging will be based on creativity, relevance to themes, and overall impact.
  • Selected poems will be featured in a special poetry booklet to be launched in the Autumn.
  • Poems will be credited to the author.
  • The copyright of each poem remains with the author. However, the author of the poem, by entering the competition, grants Translink and Ulster University the right in perpetuity to publish and/or broadcast their poem.
  • Selected entries will be notified by email or phone before the end of November 2024
  • Winners will be invited to a poetry reading at one of Translink’s Train Station.
  • Translink and Ulster University reserve the right to edit, adapt, or modify your submitted entry to ensure alignment with their guidelines for the creation of public poetry and art. Any edits will be made with respect to the original intent and artistic integrity of the submission.
  • All submitted entries must adhere to the standards set by Translink and Ulster University, ensuring they are suitable for public display and engagement. This includes compliance with accessibility, inclusivity, and artistic quality requirements.
  • In relation to any modifications  made the final editorial decisions remain at the discretion of Translink and Ulster University.
  • Edited versions of the submission may be featured in public spaces, publications, online platforms, or promotional materials.
  • While editorial adjustments may be made, appropriate credit will be given to the original creator of the work when possible in all public presentations.
  • Entries not adhering to these terms and conditions will be disqualified.
  • By entering, participants agree to these terms and conditions.