The Isle of Man Arts Council are pleased to announce the launch of a community poetry book featuring contributions from the public submitted for their “Literary Lockdown” project earlier this year.

The project aimed to showcase pieces of creative writing from all ages and abilities in order to inspire and spread some positivity during the second lockdown of January 2021. 28 of the public submissions were then shared on the Isle of Man Arts Council social media for each day through February.

The book includes a poem or piece of creative writing of up to 250 words on the theme of four prompts: Home, Ritual, Community and Gratitude. One submission per person has been included in the book despite whether or not they were chosen to feature online.

Arts Engagement Officer, Grainney Sheard said: “The works offer a real reflection of the Isle of Man community during the lockdown and have come from a wide range of experienced and new writers of every age. Some pieces offer hope and positivity whereas others shine a light on the challenges of isolation.”

The Isle of Man Arts Team have worked closely with local company Bunch Creative to design and publish this book.

Chair of the Isle of Man Arts Council, Mrs Marlene Maska MLC said: “We have been overwhelmed with the creativity shown by our Island community during the last year, particularly during the lockdown months.  This creativity has provided a positive and uplifting platform for us all, bringing us together, and we look forward to sharing these exciting and inspirational writings with the general public.”

The book will be gifted to each contributor at the launch on the 8th December at the Family Library in Douglas and will be on sale to the general public via Quirky.im from the 9th December.