Dial P for Poetry? Downtown Vancouver BIA launches 24/7 poem hotline

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Anyone in need of a poetic pick me up as this pandemic drags on can now get one 24/7 — by dialing a ten-digit phone number.

The Poetry Phone is a new initiative meant to support local writers while giving people a much-needed boost.

Launched by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, it is the city’s first free poetry hotline.

“I think we’re all in a funk, with what’s going on,” says President Charles Gauthier.

“But sometimes just to read something inspirational — or to listen in this case to something inspirational — can lift your spirits a bit.”

You've heard of Dial M for Murder, but what about Dial P for Poetry? I just spoke with @DowntownCharles from the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association about The Poetry Phone, Vancouver’s first free poetry hotline. Details today on @NEWS1130. pic.twitter.com/MzHqbDRAq1

— John Ackermann ???? (@jackermann) February 5, 2021

The idea came from someone on Gauthier’s team, and is based on a similar project in Ireland.

“She experienced it when she lived there and thought that this is something that could easily be replicated here and, would probably be appreciated, especially during a pandemic,” Gauthier explains.

“We’re also hopeful that people that are actually really secluded and can’t get out, the elderly, and maybe health care workers needing a bit of relief take advantage and call the line.”

Since COVID-19 limited travel and in-person gathering, people have rediscovered retro ways of communicating like letter-writing and sending Christmas cards.

Gauthier says picking up the phone and dialing a number is in line with this trend.

“It is going back to old school and getting people to actually either use their cell phone or landline to actually call and listen to poetry by local poets, rather than maybe googling something,” he says.

“I think there’s an element of surprise as well because they probably haven’t been exposed to these local artists before and it’s an opportunity for them just to realize how creative of a city we are.”

We are excited to present to you: The Poetry Phone! Call 1-833-POEMS-4-U (763-6748) to listen to recordings from 10 local writers, curated by @reneesarojini. This is Vancouver’s first free, interactive poetry phone line. #VanPoetryPhone

More info here: https://t.co/ejue7r8jeS

— Downtown Van (@downtownvan) February 5, 2021

The Poetry Phone is one of the ways the association has been trying to support artists adapting to a world in which in-person performances are a no-go.

“For artists, they want to share their creativity, with all of us, and we’re providing them with this platform to do it,” Gauthier says.

To  get connected to a selection of ten different poems call 1-833-POEMS-4-U.

More information about the featured poets and their work is available online.