Typoetry : Rethink – Rebuild.

‘Typoetry’ is an exhibition of poetry and graphic design taking place in the London Borough of Newham in spring 2022. In association with UK and Swiss poets, around thirty poems will be designed by the students of the University of Art and Design of Lausanne (ECAL), printed in large format and displayed in several areas of Newham.

Featuring works by Swiss poets Linn Molineaux, Clea Chopard, Laura Accerboni, Rolf Hermann, Michael Fehr, Baptiste Gaillard, Daniele Pantano, Hartmut Abendschein, Pierrine Poget, Heike Feidler

Works by British poets Eley Williams, Victoria Kaye, Stephen Watts, SJ Fowler, Rushika Wick, Vanessa Onwuemezi, Gareth Evans.

With more poets to be announced, including ten young poets local to Newham, sharing works created in tailored workshops, taking place as part of the project.

‘Typoetry’ is an exhibition of poetry and graphic design. Around thirty artworks printed in large format will form poetic trails in the town centres of the London Borough of Newham from 30 April to 29 May 2022. Led by the Embassy of Switzerland in the UK, in collaboration with Newham Council and the University of Art and Design in Lausanne (ECAL), the project champions typography and poetry whilst developing tools of empowerment. The artworks will be showcased on the front windows of trading businesses, public buildings, vacant premises and other sites. The exhibition and its engagement programme will contribute to the social and economic activity of the London Borough of Newham. Moreover, as a public art installation, Typoetry promotes and fosters two artistic forms rarely accessible to broad audiences or seen in art spaces: poetry and typography.

RETHINK - REBUILD In light of the tragic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as today’s global challenges, many aspects of our lives need to be rethought and redefined. Typoetry aims to open new perspectives on these global shifts and their solutions.

RETHINK – REBUILD is the loose theme of the curated poetry and the poetry conceived during workshops with young people. Supported by its engagement programme, the exhibition will give food for thought to pedestrians and the local community and will create a space of expression and creation for the young people of Newham; it will attract residents and new visitors, giving an opportunity to local businesses to increase their footfall. A website is planned to tie in the different aspects of the project, showcasing the involvement and exchanges of all participants. Typoetry does not rely on international travel and complies with the public health measures that have been implemented in the past. In a bid for a united and sustainable future, the project ties in all aspects of society.