Ayan Aden — Poet Laureate, Cultural Strategist & Founder

Poet. Curator. Strategist.

Birmingham Poet Laureate 2024–2026

Birmingham Poet
Laureate 2024–2026

Andrea Cruz Herself

Andrea Cruz Herself

Andrea Cruz Herself

Book a Performance

Book a Performance

Book a Performance

School Packages

School Packages

School Packages

Explore Consultancy

Explore Consultancy

Explore Consultancy

400+

Poetry Performances

100+

Workshops delivered

50+

Projects Completed

My work bridges art and infrastructure. From cultural consultancy to poetic storytelling, I create frameworks that honour heritage while shaping the future.

I believe strategy is more than structure—it’s a form of care. And poetry is more than performance—it’s a method of social impact.

—Ayan Mo Aden

What I Do

Poetry Performance & Commissions

Strategic Consultancy

School Packages & Workshops

Creative Projects & Programming

What I Do

Poetry Performance & Commissions

Strategic Consultancy

School Packages & Workshops

Creative Projects & Programming

What I Do

Poetry Performance & Commissions

Strategic Consultancy

School Packages & Workshops

Creative Projects & Programming

Ways I Create Impact

Community-Led Programming

Cultural Infrastructure Design

Diaspora-Centred Storytelling

System Thinking & Evaluation

Ways I Create Impact

Community-Led Programming

Cultural Infrastructure Design

Diaspora-Centred Storytelling

System Thinking & Evaluation

Ways I Create Impact

Community-Led Programming

Cultural Infrastructure Design

Diaspora-Centred Storytelling

System Thinking & Evaluation

Trusted By

Poetry | Community | Legacy

Usheeg- Unislam Final 2023

Usheeg- Unislam Final 2023

Usheeg- Unislam Final 2023

For every refugee who’s ever been made to prove their worth in a borrowed tongue.

For every refugee who’s ever been made to prove their worth in a borrowed tongue.

"Oh Blossom" – National Trust x Local Schools 2025

"Oh Blossom" – National Trust x Local Schools 2025

"Oh Blossom" – National Trust x Local Schools 2025

A community-rooted poem with three schools — blooming with joy, creativity, and young voices.

A community-rooted poem with three schools — blooming with joy, creativity, and young voices.

“What Legacy Do You Want to Leave?” – TEDx De Montfort University

“What Legacy Do You Want to Leave?” – TEDx De Montfort University

“What Legacy Do You Want to Leave?” – TEDx De Montfort University

A poetic TEDx reflection on living with intention—where small, heartfelt actions become the legacy that lasts.

A poetic TEDx reflection on living with intention—where small, heartfelt actions become the legacy that lasts.

"Ayan is an accomplished poet and performer. Yes, she is an authentic, impactful and powerful voice, for the lived experience of the Somali community. However, her poetry transcends personal experience and in doing so, reflects a universality that we can all identify with and in doing so, unites us all, across the West Midlands."

"Ayan is an accomplished poet and performer. Yes, she is an authentic, impactful and powerful voice, for the lived experience of the Somali community. However, her poetry transcends personal experience and in doing so, reflects a universality that we can all identify with and in doing so, unites us all, across the West Midlands."

Simon Foster
Police & Crime Commissioner

Poet | Cultural Strategist
Birmingham Poet Laureate 2024–26