MEET THE FOUNDERS
“My main supporter has been the amazing Lisa Mead, whose belief in this project and its needed has been invaluable. Nope, no price can possibly match her quiet and determined support.”
- Zena Edwards
Lisa Mead, Executive Producer
& Artistic Director Of Apples & Snakes
Apples and Snakes have been supporting Poets Built It since the beginning because nothing like it exists for poets by poets and we could see that it could provide a space to help Poets sustain their practice and careers.
It’s really hard to be a freelance creative and everyone needs community for support, inspiration, advice and guidance. Zena’s vision for Poets Built It provides this – an online community, where you can attend workshops, share ideas, ask for friendly feedback on your work and meet poets from across the country and the world.
As an organisation, as well as hosting some workshops and events on the platform, we can also encourage poets to join so that they have access to activities, organisations and networks beyond what we are able to offer.
A digital space enables poets wherever they are to access high quality opportunities and build their own supportive community. There is huge potential for Poets Built It to be an amazing resource and place of inspiration for poets, we’re excited to see how it will grow!
“Hi! I’m Zena Edwards.
I’m a Poet and Founder of Poets Built It.”
“It is my celebratory offering to Poets and Spoken Word Artists worldwide.”
Taking It Seriously 🧐
‘Poetizing’ is a serious business. Writing and performing poetry and spoken word is taxing to the mind, to your wallet, to your emotional and physical well being.
I created Poets Built It to unpack the complexity of feeling I had around being a ‘Poetpreneur’.
Poets Built It Online Community is an opportunity to be together in one place, be inspired, and look out on the world with the ‘clearest poetic lens’ possible. It is a space for joy in the craft of writing, reading and performing poetry and spoken word.
A Light History Of My “Poets Built It Why.”
1993, I had my first paid poetry gig with Apples and Snakes poetry organisation.
Now I am the founder, lead artist and the creative, strategic and programming director of Poets Built It Online Community.
Thank you Apples and Snakes!
~ Zena ~
Click Image to zoom in
Image: Courtesy of Russell Thompson, Creator of Apples and Snakes Spoken Word Archive
Being Here
To get to this place, I had to examine the craft of writing, immerse in a way I never thought I could. When earning a living became difficult I had to stay encouraged. I had to experiment with my practice as a poet, and have honest conversations - sometimes very difficult conversations - around the business of poetry.
My facilitation practice has taken me all around the world. I have taught all ages and learned so much myself teaching so many diverse groups which has brought me a lot of joy and more work opportunities.
But Importantly, this work has informed me of the many varied and multifaceted needs of poets and spoken word artists - from hobbyist writers to seasoned academics.
What was evident and important was tracking the story arc of my journey where longevity and sustainability can exist.
Perhaps the most important thing to me and my dream of community is creating community moments for poetry and spoken word loving audiences and rooms full of participants, student and pupils
“Poets Built It Online Community was born a long time ago.”
It’s inception was well received by Lisa in 2020 when I pitched the idea of subscription based community, where poets could support poets when funding stream opportunities were few, or not so easy to access.
So, it is with immense gratitude, I say to Apples and Snakes thank you for your continued support since December 2022 in bringing Poets Built It to manifestation.
There is so much to look forward to!
~ Zena ~
