Latest news with #CityofLiterature
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Poetry book published
Dreams captured . . . Reading their poetry and art contributions in the Wish book are SuperGrans volunteer Monica Zaini and Studio2 artist Chris Tavite. PHOTO: SAM HENDERSON A new collection of poems and pictures brings together local volunteers and artists. Wish, published by Dunedin Unesco City of Literature, features poetry written by volunteers from Dunedin community organisation SuperGrans. The poems were crafted last year in a series of workshops run in South Dunedin by City of Literature ''Poet Lorikeet'', Jenny Powell. During the workshops, participants were encouraged to imagine receiving a wish, then explore how to fulfil it by writing and revisiting their poems. Powell said participants steadily built their skills throughout the workshops. ''For me, it was always getting to the point when we could write about what we wished to do. ''People could read their wishes often and write themselves their wishes again.'' Former SuperGrans manager Sandy McKay said the project had been a lovely experience for the volunteers. Volunteers often helped people step outside their comfort zones, so it was useful for them to do the same. That approach echoed the Māori concept of ako, in which a person is at times the learner and at times the teacher. ''I feel that it really fits in with that — we are all learning and, you know, helping to pass on our skills to other people. ''This just kind of fits so beautifully into that kaupapa.'' The book also showcases images from South Dunedin's Studio2, where artists with learning disabilities and neurodiverse creators refine and broaden their practice. The book was created for last year's 10th anniversary celebrations of Dunedin Unesco City of Literature. City of Literature project coordinator Anne Shelah said each contributor would receive a copy. Further copies would go to city councillors and literary venues such as the Robert Lord Cottage and Caselberg House. ''Quite often for events we put together goodie bags and so in the goodie bags we will put copies of Wish.''
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Row over blocking road for ‘Literary Street' in Kozhikode
The Kozhikode Corporation's move to shut down Comtrust Road along Mananchira pond and divert traffic through Vaikom Mohammed Basheer Road at Mananchira has met with stiff opposition from traders and bus operators. Though a trial run by the traffic police on Wednesday proved to be a failure, another is being planned after schools reopen. The traffic diversion is being planned as part of efforts to convert Comtrust Road into a 'Literary Street', a plan that took form after Kozhikode was bestowed with the tag of UNESCO's City of Literature. The plan is to set up reading corners and book shops along the 100-metre stretch along Mananchira pond so that literature enthusiasts could enjoy their time amid books in a relaxed manner, without any disturbance caused by vehicles. However, traders' bodies and bus owners have vehemently opposed the move, saying that it will worsen congestion in the region, which is already suffering due to narrow roads and parking woes. 'We have already lost two roads to the development of Mananchira Square decades ago. Blocking one more road will be a blunder. We urge the Kozhikode Corporation to convene a meeting of stakeholders before taking a decision,' said V. Sunil Kumar, district general secretary of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi. The Kozhikode unit of the Bus Operators' Association has also opposed the move. 'At least 70% of the buses in the city pass through Mananchira. At present, the traffic is smooth, despite the occasional protests that cause congestion at the Kidson Corner. But diverting bus traffic through Vaikom Mohammed Basheer Road will be a disaster,' said N.V. Abdul Jabbar, district secretary of the association. He said that the association had already conveyed its concerns to the Kozhikode Corporation and other authorities. He also suggested that the 'Literary street' be set up in a less crowded area. However, Mayor Beena Philip said the Corporation would not block Comtrust Road if the trial run proved unsuccessful. 'We may need to develop some parts of Town Hall Road for buses to move freely. The lack of parking space in the region is also a cause for concern,' she added. Meanwhile, bus operators suggested that the Corporation prioritise the widening of road at Kidson Corner and impose a ban on all kinds of protests there. They also demanded speedy completion of the Parking Plaza project so that people were not forced to park vehicles on Vaikom Mohammed Basheer Road.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Darshanam Library hands over books to Kozhikode Corporation's ‘Arivu Granthappura'
Darshanam Library at Kalandithazham in the city on Wednesday contributed 65 books to the Kozhikode Corporation's 'Arivu Granthappura' (library) on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day that falls on April 23. At an event held on the Corporation office premises, poet P.K. Gopi handed over Olachoottinte Velicham, his award-winning book in the children's literature category, to Mayor Beena Philip to mark the handing over of the titles. Ms. Philip complimented Darshanam Samskarika Vedi, which runs the library, for its initiative. P. Jasiludeen, secretary of the Vedi, said more books would be handed over to the Granthappura, and that a collection drive for the purpose was on. A.K. Saritha, nodal officer for the City of Literature project, was present.
