“Michelle Scally Clarke is an accomplished writer, performer and workshop leader who brings compassion, authenticity and skill to all of her work. The National Poetry Centre is proud to be working with Michelle on a project with young people with experience of the care system, alongside musicians from The Music House and Leeds International Piano Competition. From the outset, Michelle's passionate belief in the power of poetry was infectious, creating an atmosphere of trust and confidence which enabled the participants to confidently express their thoughts and develop their creative voice. “

“Michelle Scally Clarke has both performed and taught workshops at Huddersfield Literature Festival and feedback for her work has always been fantastic. An inspirational performer and a wonderful poet, she also has a special skill in guiding others to create poetry and improve their performance skills."

I've been doing a lot of poetry recently and putting more of it out and I was just asked - from someone who found my poem and enjoyed it who isn't a fan of poetry as a rule a - if there where any specific poets who inspired me and Michelle Scally Clarke was the first name that popped in to my head from the workshop when I was about 10 at New Heys Liverpool.

“I have worked with Michelle for many years and every time I’m inspired by her ready connection with local people, her honesty and ability to enable people to tap into hidden talents and create poetry and spoken word that without fail takes you on a journey of emotion, laughing, crying – lots of tears, always - and leaving with a greater compassion for the world. I have seen people’s lives transformed from the experience, buoyed up by the care and support that Michelle gives to take a new step that was impossible previously. From a person who doesn’t leave the house to a new job, from a silent man to centre stage reading his own poetry, from a child struggling in school to a free writing spoken word creator. I’d say it was magic, but I’ve also seen the hard work, experience and skill that goes into it too!”

“Michelle is working on a funded professional development research project with Leeds Beckett University from September 2021- July 2023 as a professional artist. Throughout the project, she has maintained high standards of professional integrity, interpersonal skills, collaboration, and excellent artistic competency. She always interprets the brief brilliantly and has met all timelines, working flexibly in response to young people and schools in challenging circumstances. Michelle has also taught on master’s programmes and led artistic work at professional arts and education conferences at the University. "

“We have worked with Michelle for many years on a wide range of projects. She has always brought tremendous spirit and soul to her work, whether she is facilitating, writing or performing. As a facilitator her deep care and belief in the people she works with brings amazing results.”

“So enchanted, was I, when I first saw Michelle Scally Clarke perform her poetry at an Aspire group event in Huddersfield, that I immediately knew I’d found the act I wanted for my birthday party! We met for lunch for her to find out what areas of my life I wanted her to include in her performance and from that she put the framework together for her piece, with me filling any gaps at the end. Michelle made the whole process fun and in no time we had the final piece, which she performed on the evening with great poise, humour and theatrics. She is the consummate performer and great fun to have around at a party! I would have no hesitation in recommending her for your truly special event."

“Michelle’s work touches me at a raw and profound level, before I’ve even realised. It connects me with emotion, inspiration and curiosity that I couldn’t previously fathom. And then at other times it leaves a smile on my face and an energy to take action. A Scally Clarke performance is a compelling rollercoaster but one that ultimately leaves you energised, filled with rage and passion to get out there and take action”.

Hi Michelle, I doubt you will remember me, but about 20 years ago maybe longer, you came to a queer youth group in Leeds amd read some of your poetry and showed us how to write poetry and we read ours out. You gave me a copy of I Am, the one you was reading from (I still have it). This very moment is the reason I started writing poetry until I my mental health got the better of me, however in November 2025 I started writing again and I just wanted to thank you (long overdue) for bringing poetry into my life it's meant a lot and has helped me through my struggles. This year I was even brave enough to start going and performing at my local opem mic poetry night.

I don't think I would have even started writing poetry if it wasn't for that faithful evening so again thank you!