Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature Poetry on Prescription

Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature Poetry on Prescription

This inaugural event was held in support of International Mental Health Day on 10 October 2020, with the support of Poems in the Waiting Room (NZ): a Dunedin based arts in health charity well respected for printing and distributing free poetry cards (currently 8000) every season to medical waiting rooms, rest homes, hospices and prisons throughout New Zealand.

People were encouraged to visit the Poetry on Prescription ‘Clinic’ located in the Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature section on the Ground Floor of Dunedin City Library for a one-on-one injection of restorative and uplifting verse.

No appointment necessary – the poetry “doctors” (Ruth Arnison, Mira Harrison, Claire Lacey) had a thoroughly enjoyable time and made connections with their ‘patients’ in a unique way. This personal ‘consultation’ and sharing of poetry was well received by the many people (including children) who took part.

Everyone received a collectible poetic gift as a memento of their experience. Due to the positive feedback and overwhelming success of this first-time event, it is planned to repeat the ‘Clinic’ on an annual basis.

Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature Poetry on Prescription ‘Doctors” (from left) Claire Lacey, Ruth Arnison and Mira Harrison at the inaugural poetry ‘clinic’ held in support of International Mental Health Day at City Library, Dunedin.

‘Doctor’ Mira Harrison shares an excerpt from her book Admissions at Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature Poetry on Prescription event.

The Wood family waiting for private poetry consultations at the inaugural Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature Poetry on Prescription event.

Atticus and Arabella get ready for movement and verse with ‘Doctor’ Claire Lacey.

Selecting a free poetic gift from ‘Doctor’ Ruth Arnison at the inaugural Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature Poetry on Prescription event held in support of International Mental Health Day at City Library, Dunedin.