“It is impossible to be a mathematician without being a poet in soul.” Sofia Kovalevskaya, mathematician.

Join Joanna Preston and Rata Ingram at the CWEA for an exciting three-hour workshop exploring the poetry of mathematics and the maths of poetry. All backgrounds and levels of experience are welcome, from maths-phobic poets to mathematicians who’ve never seen a sonnet!

Go off on a tangent, tell a Fib, define an O.D.E., explore the limits and be transformed in your way of thinking about both poetry and mathematics.

From limericks to L-systems, participants will learn the multi-faceted ways maths and verse intersect and come away with their own mathematical poetry.

Delivered in collaboration with local community organisations Mathateca and the Canterbury Poets’ Collective.

About the tutors

Joanna Preston is an award-winning poet, editor and creative writing tutor. She has run poetry workshops in Canterbury and beyond for over fifteen years (as ‘The Poetry Class’), and teaches at Hagley Writers’ Institute. She is an editor for Sudden Valley Press, and former chair of the Canterbury Poets’ Collective.

Rata Ingram is a founding member of Mathateca. She has developed and run several creative mathematics events including ‘Maths on Paper,’ a full-day drop-in session of recreational activities. Editor of the 510 Club mathematical book review project, Rata is also an accomplished poet with poems published locally and internationally.

Organisations

Mathateca

A registered charity founded and based in Christchurch, New Zealand, Mathateca strives for informed and creative maths outreach. The group organises events such as public talks, workshops and displays. It is devoted to creating mathematical resources, improving mathematical literacy, and working with diverse groups to improve accessibility and engagement with maths.

Website: mathateca.nz

Canterbury Poets’ Collective

Since 1989, the CPC has fostered access to and excellence in poetry with a biannual Poetry-in-Performance readings series, bringing the best poets in Aotearoa to perform alongside local talent. The CPC also runs events, publishes books and holds a biennial competition for best first collection.

Website: canterburypoets.org.nz