Everyone Started Singing is a new poetry anthology celebrating the power of creativity to bring people together, amplify diverse voices, and explore the many dimensions of community. Emerging from Jenny Mitchell's inaugural Poet-in-the-Community residency with Cork City Libraries, funded through Creative Ireland in 2025, the anthology showcases the creative achievements of individuals and groups who engaged in poetry workshops, mentoring, public events and community-based creative activities throughout the residency.

The collection features the work of 52 poets, bringing together first-time writers, emerging voices and established award-winning poets in a rich and diverse reflection of contemporary community life. Contributors include participants from workshops with the Sexual Violence Centre, Cork's migrant communities, young writers involved in Fighting Words, and individuals who engaged through public and online poetry events that connected participants locally, nationally and internationally.

By creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds and life experiences to share their stories, perspectives and creative work, Everyone Started Singing demonstrates how culture and creativity can foster inclusion, connection, dialogue and belonging. The project highlights the transformational impact of community-engaged arts practice and celebrates the role of libraries as welcoming civic spaces where creativity can flourish.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.