Shima Robinson named Edmonton’s tenth Poet Laureate
June 30, 2023
On July 1, 2023, Shima Robinson will begin her tenure as Edmonton’s tenth Poet Laureate.
Shima Aisha Robinson is a community builder, poet and spoken word artist. As a veteran of the Alberta poetry community, she uses a searing intellect and dynamic precision-of-language to create poetry which ushers her readers and listeners toward greater understanding and poignant reflection. For Shima Aisha Robinson aka Dwennimmen, poetry has long been a compass, a salve, an anchor and guiding light. She uses the potential and force of poetry to uncover the full range of her cerebral, linguistic and spiritual fortitude. She is the author of two books including HORN - 2016, Denseverse (self-published), and Bellow — 2022, Glass House Press. She is the Artistic Producer for the Edmonton Poetry Festival Society, and the Learning and Outreach Manager with Fringe Theatre.
“The City of Edmonton is committed to championing arts and culture, and the Poet Laureate program is further affirmation of our city’s talent and potential,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, I congratulate Shima Robinson, our 10th Poet Laureate! Her inspiring artistry, deep roots in our city, and passion for activism make her an exemplary selection, and I look forward to seeing what she creates and accomplishes in this role.”
“Titilope Sonuga’s poetry connects people through the themes of hope and healing explored in her work. Her poetry made space for all Edmontonians to come together to explore these themes over the last two years,” said Sanjay Shahani, Edmonton Arts Council Executive Director. “Shima Robinson is a passionate community leader committed to bringing a multitude of voices to the forefront. We can’t wait to see how she brings Edmonton’s stories to life through her unique lens.”
Supported by the City of Edmonton, the Edmonton Arts Council and the Edmonton Public Library, the role of Edmonton’s Poet Laureate is to reflect the life of the city through readings and poetry. As an ambassador for the literary arts, the Laureate brings poetry into a range of official and informal city events.
The outgoing Poet Laureate is Titilope Sonuga. Throughout her tenure as Edmonton’s ninth Poet Laureate, Titilope Sonuga captured moments of tenderness and joy. She travelled extensively as an artist and facilitated adult and youth poetry workshops worldwide. She had the opportunity to bring poetry and music together in performance with Melafrique, and with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. She was also commissioned by CBC’s Black on the Prairies project to capture her poem Arrival, an ode to Black Prairie women. Her poetry was featured down the sidewalks of 124 Street. Her countless school visits brought poetry into the classroom, inspiring a new generation of poets. And in a special video of her poem “You Are Welcome Here” for the Edmonton Arts Council, she shared a beautiful and moving tribute to Edmonton, our newcomers and our artists and festivals.
Shima Robinson will serve a two-year term as Edmonton’s Poet Laureate beginning July 1, 2023. Keep informed about Shima’s work and events by following @dense_verse on Instagram, @denseverse on Facebook, and visiting her website denseverse.net.
