A Poetry and Design Showcase of Student Collaboration

This week, students from ESOL and Graphic Arts at the City of Glasgow College came together to launch the powerful and moving poetry book and exhibition, Shining Memories and Melodies. Held on Thursday, 19 June, the launch was the culmination of a cross-departmental collaboration that united creativity, language, and personal expression.

The project began in December, when lecturer Rosie Quin led a poetry workshop with her Upper Intermediate ESOL students. Their heartfelt writing explored themes of memory, place, and identity. These poems were later passed on to NPA and NQ Graphic Design students, who were guided by lecturer Ash Rawson to treat them as a live brief — using the poetry as inspiration to create illustrations and book designs.

Each poem was paired with original artwork, and students designed a selection of book covers, with the final design chosen by the ESOL students themselves.

The launch event was attended by students, lecturers, and Curriculum Heads from both the Education and Humanities and Creative Industries faculties. Many students met for the first time on the day — an emotional moment that added to the powerful impact of the readings and exhibition. The event was opened by Siobhan Wilson, Interim VP Student Experience.

“Our poetry book is now an annual event – we are delighted to have collaborated with our Creative Industry colleagues once again,” said James Davies, Associate Dean - ESOL & Communities. “The exceptional talent of our young designers has combined with the heartfelt and moving poetry from our ESOL students to create a thing of beauty. We couldn't be prouder of them.”

Copies of the book are available from the Faculty of Education and Humanities, for a £5 donation in favour of St. Andrew's Hospice. The poetry and artwork are currently exhibited in the ESOL Welcome Area, 5th Floor, City Campus.