SPT has appointed acclaimed writer and storyteller John Rice as its Subway Poet-in-Residence for a second nine-month term.

John delighted audiences last time round with his unique mix of original Glasgow poems, songs, hilarious stories and writing workshops. He built up strong relationships with Glasgow schools and inspired hundreds of young writers with his Bang on Bard poetry contest.

Now he returns with a packed programme of performances, competitions and brand-new verses bringing the Subway message to a whole new audience in 2009/10.

John said: "I'm looking forward to building on the Subway poetry posters idea from last year by writing even more themed pieces for passengers, and possibly extending this into Buchanan Bus Station.

"There's going to be an even bigger Bang on Bard competition for all Glasgow schools in January 2010 and I'm already working on some fun activities around National Poetry Day, Halloween and Christmas.

"I plan to continue visiting schools near Subway stations to do some poetry workshops and performances, and there's going to be a bigger emphasis on whole-family participation. All in all it looks set to be another cracking residency."

Other changes for 2009/10 include a dedicated section on the SPT website with regular updates from John. It is also hoped an end-of-residency anthology will be created with contributions from John, school pupils and students, as well as the travelling public.

The residency is once again funded in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council and aims to engage with the travelling public through creative art.

Chief Executive of SPT, Ron Culley, said: "We're delighted to have John Rice back for another nine-months. The feedback from his first residency was incredible and I can't wait to see what he's got in store this time round."

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