Coventry Poets Ann Atkins and Amy Rugg to Share Their Craft in Cork
This month, Cork will play to the poetic exchange of Coventry poets Ann Atkins and Amy Rugg, as part of the Cork-Coventry Twin Cities Poetry Exchange. This event is a cultural highlight celebrating the longstanding friendship between Cork and Coventry, cities that have been twinned since 1958.
The twinning of Cork and Coventry is rooted in a post-World War II initiative aimed at fostering international friendship and understanding. As the Cork City Council notes, this “Twinning or Sister city concept” emerged from a desire to heal the wounds of wartime enmity and build lasting bridges across Europe. Over the decades, the cities have engaged in numerous cultural exchanges, with poets playing a key role in this artistic dialogue.
The Cork-Coventry Poetry Exchange has become a cherished tradition, with poets from each city crossing the Irish Sea to share their work. This year’s exchange will see Ann Atkins and Amy Rugg from Coventry reading their poetry in Cork. In return, Cork poets Catherine Ronan and Cédric Bikond will travel to Coventry in the autumn, continuing this enriching cross-cultural exchange.
Ann Atkins, a prominent figure in Coventry’s poetry scene, co-hosts the monthly poetry night “Fire & Dust” in collaboration with the online poetry magazine Here Comes Everyone. Known for being the city’s only regular open mic event, “Fire & Dust” has become a vital platform for local poets.
Atkins' debut collection, Not A Robot (Allographic Press, 2023), has garnered significant acclaim. Coventry Poet Laureate Emilie Lauren Jones describes her work as masterful observational poetry, noting the contemplative quality of her writing that often invites readers to ponder their own humanity. Conversely, poet and artist Andrea Mbarushimana highlights the warmth and compassion in Atkins' work, suggesting that her poems offer solace and connection, especially when one feels disconnected or robotic.
Amy Rugg's poetic journey is as vibrant as her performances. Recalling her first performance as a toddler, Rugg describes how she would “shout-sing” and wave her arms wildly, reflecting her early immersion in storytelling and creative expression. Despite a two-decade hiatus from writing, Rugg returned to the literary scene with a powerful voice, making a significant impact with her work.
Rugg’s poetry often draws on historical and personal narratives. Her dramatized poem about the bombing of Coventry’s Cathedral during World War II is a poignant reflection on the effects of conflict on ordinary people. This piece, among others, underscores the deep connection Rugg feels to Coventry’s history and the broader implications of wartime experiences.
The Cork-Coventry Poetry Exchange is organised by Ó Bhéal, Cork City's premier poetry event known for its hybrid approach to poetic gatherings. Ó Bhéal will host Ann Atkins and Amy Rugg on Monday, August 12th, with the subsequent reading at DeBarra’s Spoken Word on Tuesday, August 13th.
This exchange not only celebrates the poetic talents of both cities but also honors the enduring spirit of solidarity and artistic collaboration that defines the twinning initiative. As the poets from Coventry bring their voices to Cork, they continue the legacy of cultural dialogue and mutual appreciation that has defined the Cork-Coventry relationship for decades.