Poems on the Underground Marks 40th Anniversary with New Anthology
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The Poems on the Underground public art project, founded in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025 with a special anthology and event. The scheme displays poetry on London Underground trains, refreshed three times a year, and is funded by Arts Council England, Transport for London (TfL), and the British Council.
Facts First
- Poems on the Underground celebrates its 40th anniversary with a new anthology and a commemorative event at Bank station.
- The project displays six poems at a time on London Underground trains, refreshed three times per year.
- Funding comes from Arts Council England, Transport for London (TfL), and the British Council, with some London Assembly members criticizing the TfL expenditure.
- The project has inspired similar initiatives in cities including Dublin, New York, and Shanghai.
- Poems are selected by co-editors Imtiaz Dharker and George Szirtes and have included works from Shakespeare, Sappho, and Wole Soyinka.
What Happened
The Poems on the Underground project is marking its 40th anniversary in 2025. The celebration includes the publication of a 40th-anniversary anthology titled '100 Poems on the Underground' and a commemorative event held at Bank Underground station in January. The project displays six poems at a time across London Underground trains, which are refreshed three times a year. The current co-editors selecting the poetry are Imtiaz Dharker and George Szirtes.
Why this Matters to You
If you travel on the London Underground, you may encounter poetry in your daily commute, offering a moment of reflection or cultural connection. The project's funding, which includes contributions from Transport for London (TfL), could be subject to public debate, as some London Assembly members have described the expenditure as 'a waste of money'. The initiative's longevity and international influence suggest it is a valued part of the city's cultural fabric.
What's Next
The project will continue its regular cycle of refreshing poems three times a year. The new anniversary anthology may become available for public purchase. The co-editors are likely to continue selecting a diverse range of poetry, which has previously included special features for events like Black History Month.