Aimed to inspire and motivate people across the globe to discover their own creativity, the scheme will bring more poetry into the world, by serving coffee that encourages more poetic and creative moments in life.
Set to take place in upwards of 30 countries on 21 March 2016, customers can visit any participating location serving Julius Meinl coffee or tea and pay with a handwritten poem.
Also on a mission to inspire people through poetry, internationally acclaimed poet Robert Montgomery – heralded as the “text art Banksy” – is Julius Meinl’s global ambassador who, together with the Vienna-based coffee company, will help showcase how poetry can find a higher purpose.
Speaking about the campaign, Montgomery said: “I love how Pay With A Poem provides a little pocket of freedom, where money is replaced by poetry. Instead of using a banknote or a credit card people can transfer value to poetry, and use it as an alternative form of payment. I think most people write poetry in adolescence and sort of abandon it in adulthood. With this initiative we’re encouraging everyone to reconnect with that forgotten poetic voice inside of them, and giving everyone’s voice equal value.”
“There is also a great historical connection between coffee houses and literature, in Vienna and beyond, and we’re reviving that history in a modern and very democratic way.”
Robert Montgomery, will be on hand to help liquidate Londoner’s lines at Balans Soho Society (60-62 Old Compton Street, W1) between 11am-2pm on Monday 21 March 2016.
To find out more about World Poetry Day and how you can take part, visit www.facebook.com/JuliusMeinlOfficial and www.meinlcoffee.com.
Image credit: Alexandru Platon
