Lemn Sissay is a poet and playwright. He’s associate artist at at Europe’s largest Arts Centre, Southbank Centre. The University of Huddersfield holds The Sissay Scholarship to fund  a PHD for a  student who has been brought up in care. Sissay’s radio documentary Child of the State was nominated for the 2010 Sony Awards. His public art poems have become landmarks in Manchester and London. In London they adorn The Royal Festival Hall and his sculpture poem Gilt of Cain, commissioned by City of London, was unveiled by Bishop Desmond Tutu. His Poems as Landmarks are a part of Winning Words. He travelled to The Arctic with Jarvis Cocker and Laurie Anderson. He  is featured in the film about the voyage called Burning ICE .

Lemn is author of five books of poetry spanning twenty five years He reads on stages throughout the world. He is an honorary Doctor of Letters and was awarded the 2010 travelling award scholarship from the Society of Authors. His play Something Dark directed  John McGrath (artistic director of National Theatre Wales)  is winner of a RIMA award and has been performed throughout the world. BBC made a television documentary about his life – Internal Flight. In 2010 he was made a MBE by the queen of England for services to literature.

His work was the inspiration for a concerto at The BBC Proms. His  poetry artwork  has been exhibited at The Royal Academy alongside Antony Gormley and Tracy Emin. His “21st Century Poem”  featured on the  multi million selling award winning album Leftism. His photograph has hanged at The National Portrait Galler