Arji Manuelpillai
Poet, Performer, Creative Facilitator
I’m a published poet and creative facilitator passionate about making social change through the arts.
I’ve taught for over 15 years working with people from all walks of life.
My strengths lie in my ability to connect participants, inspire creativity and nurture conversation through the arts.
Workshops
I’ve been running workshops for over 15 years. In that time I’ve had the fortune of working with some of the most amazing children and young people in the country. My workshops are multi-disciplinary with a focus on process rather than product. I’m all about creating a playful and friendly environment because I believe creativity thrives best in this setting. I’ve worked in prisons, Immigration Removal Centres, Youth Centres, Schools and many other weird and wonderful venues. Recently I have enjoyed moving my workshops online trying to recreate the excitement of being in the space within a Zoom room.
-
Real life workshops
I’m here to connect participants, inspire creativity and nurture relationships through the practice of arts. It doesn’t matter where you are from or what background you were brought up in I believe the arts has the power to transform lives.
-
Online Workshops
Whether you’re an advanced, intermediate or beginner poet. I have a range of online classes that are guaranteed to get you writing in new and exciting ways. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, poetry has the power to give you happiness and improve your well-being.
-
Mentorship
If you’ve reached a point where you crave one to one help in the form of guidance, direction and feedback then I can offer a package to make sure you improve and grow as an artist and a poet.
Poetry
I’m a poet who is constantly creating. Whether it be commissions for big corporate companies, poems for your loved ones or poems to mark special occasions. I’m passionate about taking poetry out of quiet libraries and bookshops and into public spaces for the enjoyment of new audiences. My debut pamphlet was published with Out-Spoken Press. My latest book is to be released by Penned in the Margins in October 2022.
-
Books
I’ve been fortunate enough to have two books out with separate publishers. My poems are contemporary drawing on my experiences as a British Asian in London. I’m very interested in poetry as a journalistic tool and this has led to me interviewing a range of people and using the conversations as impetus for poems.
-
Podcasts
For two years I have been running one of the biggest poetry podcasts in the UK. Arji’s Poetry Pickle Jar has welcomed some of the most exciting names in contemporary poetry. Each week we analyse a poem bringing poetry to a completely new audience and hopefully inspiring you to get writing yourself.
-
Poems
They say the proof is in the pudding. I’ve curated a handful of poems for you to have a gander at. Enjoy!
Performance
Throughout my career performance has been a key part of my work. I’m enthusiastic about bringing my work to life on stage. I’ve performed with multiple bands, theatre shows and now, as a solo artist, I pride myself on my ability to bring something unique, inspiring and exciting.
-
Hosting
Whether you are creating an intimate affair in a house or throwing something in an arena. I have been hosting events for over 15 years and I’m here to help you.
-
Poetry Performance
Poems are made to be shared. I love to perform my poems.
-
The Merry Maker
Poetry belongs out in the street. That’s why I created a walkabout show guaranteed to bring freestyle rap to any audience.
