Surrey Poet Laureateship Named Finalist in Three Categories at the 2025 Elysian Awards

The Surrey Poet Laureateship has been announced as a finalist in three categories at this year’s Elysian Awards, recognising the organisation’s significant impact across arts, culture, and community development within Surrey.

Launched in 2024 by inaugural Laureate Adam Gary, the Surrey Poet Laureateship is a rare example of a fully countywide poetry initiative, uniquely focused on access, community engagement, and civic partnership. In just over a year, it has grown into one of Surrey’s most dynamic creative movements, championing poetry as a tool for self-expression, connection, and social change. This recognition by the Elysian Awards marks a major milestone in the Laureateship’s journey and the wider cultural landscape of the county.

Finalist – Partnership That Makes a Difference

Of course, we could not have been nominated for this particular award without our partners themselves. A sincere thank you goes to Surrey Libraries, whose ongoing collaboration has enabled the delivery of our flagship initiative, Poetry Hubs, now running in eight locations across the county.

We are also deeply grateful to the Egham Literary Institute, who not only host one of our hubs but have also offered us a permanent base of operations - the Laureateship’s first true home. This partnership was formally celebrated at our summer open day, A Place for Poetry, which brought together poets from across Surrey for a full day of workshops, readings, and community celebration.

Our growing network of partnerships is now being supported by Francesca Cowley, who stepped into the role of Partnerships Officer in August. Volunteering her time and expertise, Francesca has brought fresh energy and strategic oversight to our external relationships, ensuring we continue to grow sustainably and collaboratively.

These partnerships, and the people behind them, exemplify the shared belief that poetry should be available to all. It is their commitment, generosity, and vision that have helped make the Laureateship’s work both possible and impactful.

Finalist – Incredible Volunteer Contribution Award

Founder Adam Gary has been shortlisted for his outstanding volunteer leadership. Since the Laureateship’s inception, Adam has singlehandedly run operations, including programme design, event delivery, communications, and strategic development, entirely on a voluntary basis!

With no core funding, Adam’s commitment to building an inclusive and accessible poetry network has seen the Laureateship reach hundreds of residents each month through community workshops, open mic nights, and public-facing creative opportunities.

Finalist – Inspiring Change Through Creative Practice Award

Adam has also been named a finalist for the award recognising individuals who use creative practice to bring about positive change. Through the Laureateship, he has introduced poetry into schools, care homes, libraries, civic events, and public competitions, ensuring the art form is made visible and available to all, particularly those who may not traditionally access cultural programming.

The programme’s ethos that “everyone has a poem inside them” has helped redefine poetry as a democratic, healing, and socially connective practice.

A Landmark Recognition

Speaking on the nominations, Adam Gary said:

“It’s an honour to see the work of the Laureateship recognised in this way. These nominations are not just for me, but for the entire team of facilitators, volunteers, partners, and community members who have helped bring this vision to life. Poetry can and should be for everyone — and we are proud to be proving that right here in Surrey.”

The Elysian Awards celebrate excellence across creative practice, community innovation, and inclusive leadership. Winners will be announced later this year.

For more information about The Surrey Poet Laureateship, its events, or to support its work, visit: www.surreypoetlaureateship.org