We’re thrilled to announce Fathima Zahra as our next Quay Words writer-in-residence for our Autumn ‘Routes’ season.
An award winning poet and facilitator, Fathima will be exploring our Routes theme through research into local and larger migrational histories.
Fathima writes:
“I am looking forward to being in Exeter and walking through the quayside. I grew up across Kerala and Jeddah before moving to England, and have always felt grounded living near the water. I’ll be tracing the journey of my family’s migration across these places before moving to England. I would like to explore my relationship to water and think through these with the public in our events.”
Fathima will be working with the Quay Words team to install an interactive writing activity at the Custom House with ‘Routes’ themed prompts to inspire visitors. She will also be facilitating regular public events throughout her residency, including poetry workshops and Quay Words’ very first book club. All of Fathima’s residency events are bookable for free on a pay-what-you-can basis.
About Fathima Zahra
Fathima is an Indian poet, performer and facilitator. Fathima’s poems have won the Bridport Prize, Wells Fest Young Poets Prize and the Asia House Poetry Slam. She has performed her work at festivals across the UK including Hay, Latitude and VERVE. Her debut pamphlet ‘sargam / swargam’ was selected as the Poetry Book Society’s Pamphlet Choice.
Photo credit: Abi B
Events
Routes/Roots Poetry Workshop
Saturday 16th November, 2pm-4pm
Join our Quay Words Autumn writer-in-residence Fathima Zahra for this afternoon poetry workshop, tracing your personal journey through place and memory. Book your place →
Quay Words Book Club: How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
Saturday 30th November, 2pm – 4pm
Towards the end of November, Fathima will be hosting the first Quay Words Book Club, where we’ll be discussing Safiya Sinclair’s memoir: How to Say Babylon. Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2024, How to Say Babylon is a compelling, lyrical memoir about family, education and resilience. Book your place →