British South Asian poetry is flourishing throughout the UK, but it is still not being amply reflected in mainstream publishing, on poetry courses or through poetry societies. Third Space has been set up by poet and artist Suman Gujral with an eye on filling this gap, and having successfully attracted Arts Council England funding in spring 2024 the project is in full flow.
With various projects culminating with an anthology and events during South Asian Heritage Month 2024, Third Space aims to provide a platform for the showcasing and promotion of South Asian poetry, in order to inspire new poets as well as bringing together more established poets.
In collaboration with the award-winning independent publisher Renard Press, an open call for submissions went out in April 2024, working towards the publication of a volume of South Asian poetry in July 2024. See our events page for information on planned online prompt workshops, offering poets support and inspiration.
Further events will follow throughout the year, including at St Albans Museum + Gallery, Harlow Arts Trust and Portico Library in Manchester, and we are also devising online events for those who are unable to attend in-person events.
Looking towards the future, Third Space plans to provide a platform for both emerging and established South Asian poets in the UK, to offer resources and information to help poets develop their practice and continue to thrive.
My parents brought me to the UK in 1965, as a three-year-old, and we lived in Southall – known then as ‘Little India’, as many immigrants from the subcontinent had initially moved there. This was a happy time. I was part of a warm Sikh community, going to the Gurdwara every Saturday, playing with other brown children, shopping in South Asian stores, and watching Hindi films at the cinema…
Suman Gujral, ‘How it started’
Read more →
