The Two Chairs Writing Competition was launched in 2017. It asked entrants to consider the Hafez-Goethe monument in Weimar, Germany as a way of encountering other people and other cultures.
After receiving many outstanding entries, the winners have been chosen. You can hear the winners from each of the four categories (Under 18s - English, Under 18s - German, Over 18s - English, Over 18s - German) read their work at this celebratory event.
The judges of the competition will also be reading some of their work:
Ian McMillan
Ian is poet-in-residence for The Academy of Urbanism and Barnsley FC. He presents The Verb every week on BBC R3 and he’s a regular on BBC Breakfast, Coast, Pick of the Week, You & Yours, Last Word and The Arts Show.
Momtaza Mehri
Momtaza is a writer, reader, researcher and poet. Her work has been featured in publications including Vogue, Buzzfeed, BBC, Medium, The Millions and The Journal. Momtaza has recently been chosen as the new Young People's Laureate for London.
Hanan Issa
Hanan is a writer, poet and spoken word artist. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including MuslimGirl.com, Huffington Post UK, SISTER's magazine and Muslimtravelgirl.com.
Entry FREE but booking required! Come along and support!
Over the last six months the Two Chairs Creative Writing Competition has reached out into schools and communities and has sought to encourage writers of all ages and backgrounds to respond to the image of the two chairs depicted overleaf. Writing about encounters and relationships between cultures, our entrants wrote in English and German – and we were taken aback by the range and quality of entries. Our judges deliberated and now we have a range of winners. They will present their winning poetry and prose to the audience and be given their prizes, before handing over for readings by the judges themselves. Come along. Listen. Be inspired. Meet and connect with new people.
Entry FREE – but sign up required at https://twochairs.eventbrite.co.uk
