Mairtín Crawford facts for kids

Mairtín Crawford (born 25 November 1967 – died 11 January 2004) was a talented poet and journalist. He was born and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Early Life and Education

Mairtín Crawford went to Rathmore Grammar School. After that, he studied at Queen's University Belfast. He loved learning and expressing himself through words.

A Career in Words

Mairtín was very active in the world of writing and arts. In the 1990s, he helped start and edit a magazine called Big Spoon. This magazine focused on literature and arts.

He also worked as an editor for Fortnight magazine. For eight years, Mairtín taught creative writing. He taught at places like the Crescent Arts Centre. In 2004, he became the director of the Between The Lines Arts Festival.

Special Projects and Achievements

Mairtín Crawford helped bring famous "Beat" poet Allen Ginsberg to Belfast in 1993. Ginsberg gave two public readings, which was a big event.

Mairtín also traveled to the USA many times. In 2001, he received an award from the Arts Council. This award helped him travel to the western USA. There, he met with people from NASA. He was researching a book of poems about space travel. Some of these poems were later published in his book, Selected Poems.

Lasting Legacy

Mairtín Crawford passed away in 2004. To remember him, an annual award was created. The Mairtín Crawford literature award is part of the Belfast Book Festival. It helps keep his memory and his love for literature alive.

See also

• List of Northern Irish writers