Laila Sumpton

I am a poet who loves working with people of all ages to explore our world and share stories. I run creative writing workshops in schools, hospitals, museums, parks and refugee centres often using photography, art and song for inspiration. I am also a folk singer and run singing and lyric writing workshops too. 

Over the years I have worked with Spread the Word, Counterpoints Ars, Keats House, Royal Free Hospital, Tate Modern, Ministry of Stories, Apples and Snakes, the British Library and more. I enjoy using my passions for history, human rights and nature to explore these topics creatively often through collaborations with artists. I co-founded the arts and education organisation Poetry Vs Colonialism and work with writers, students and heritage sites to unravel complex stories of empire through poetry. 

I have worked with older and younger writers in separate settings, but am really excited about the creative potential and collaboration that can happen when these two age groups work together. It is wonderful to be working with intergenerational experts Magic Me and a team of passionate Associate Artists from a range of backgrounds, I am looking forward to what projects we will create and the learning journey we will go on together! 

https://www.poetryvscolonialism.org/