Poets and creative writing students in Reykjavík and York, England, have joined forces and launched the project ‘Word from a Bench’ in collaboration with Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature, publishing fiction and poetry on benches in the public parks.
Visitors to Hljómskálagarðurinn in Reykjavík and Rowntree Park in York can take a seat, scan a code on the benches and listen to readings of stories and poetry. The works of literature are by authors and poets native to York, who wrote specifically for the project, and six Icelandic authors and poets, all of whom studied at the University of Iceland.
The 16 literature benches in Hljómskálagarðurinn are all situated around Tjörnin, the city pond. Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature recommends taking a walk around the pond, stopping by each bench and enjoy their recitals. A new sculpture garden, Perlufestin, can be included in the walk.
The ‘Word from a Bench’ project will run through September 2014.
