Introduction to Visual Poetry: Poetics of the Possible
Explore the possibilities of visual poetry by engaging with the work of some of the most exciting visual poets of all time.
‘Reflecting the primary modes of human perception
– sight and sound – visual poetry appeals to us
because these are the norms of existence itself.’
– Willard Bohn
Delve into the vivid world of visual poetry with poet and artist Astra Papachristodoulou. In this interactive course you will engage with a range of visual poetry examples, encountering the best among contemporary visual poets and small poetry presses as inspiration for your own work.
From looking at historical visual poems from the Hellenistic era and the post-Classical revival of visual poetry, to tracing the development of visual poetry in the post-war Concrete poetry movement and the British Poetry revival and beyond, this course offers a wide overview of visual poetry as a vital literary form. Some of the poets who will guide us through this tradition are: Simmias of Rhodes, Matsuo Bashō, Mary Ellen Solt, Bob Cobbing, Alice Notley, Cecilia Vicuña, Mirella Bentivoglio, Layli Long Soldier, Anatol Knotek, and Tracey Tawhiao.
The aim of the course is to enhance your knowledge of visual poetry and revitalise your own poetic practice through the discussion of relevant theory, inventive writing prompts, and personalised feedback on poems.
5 fortnightly sessions over 10 weeks, starting 12 May 2025. No live chats. Suitable for UK & International students.
Concessions & Accessibility
To apply for a concessionary rate, please send relevant documentation showing your eligibility for one of our concessions to [email protected]. Conditions of eligibility are detailed here. If you have any questions or wish to be added to the waiting list of a sold-out course, please email [email protected]. For more information visit our Online Courses page.
Image credit:
About Astra Papachristodoulou 
View Profile
Astra Papachristodoulou holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Surrey. She recently completed a Fleck Fellowship at Banff Centre for Creativity in Canada, and her poems have appeared in numerous UK and international magazines including Buzdokuz, Resurgence & Ecologist and BeeCraft. Astra is the founder of Poem Atlas, an exhibition platform and publisher of visual poetry, and her work has been exhibited in venues in the UK and internationally including The National Poetry Library, Kew Gardens, Librairie Métamorphoses, Škuc Gallery, and Christie’s, London.
"As a deaf poet, I have found the online Poetry School courses ideal for me to participate fully without any barriers to communication in the learning situation. Tutors are enthusiastic, helpful and skilled poets themselves and have fostered a friendly and useful student ethos of mutual support."
Around the Table: Writing about Food & Family
Poetic Forms for Beginners
Nothing to Write About? Breaking Writers’ Block