In a society where discussions about mental health are often overlooked or silenced, Society260’s recent 260 Poetry event emerged not just as entertainment, but as a vital community sanctuary. Billed as a place “where words meet community and expression to create moments that warm the heart,” the evening successfully carved out a safe space for genuine self-expression and candid conversation.
260 Poetry was a deliberate effort to confront the diminished attention paid to mental health challenges—a pervasive ignorance that contributes significantly to the rising number of cases of untreated mental health illnesses. While the topic is frequently escaped from public discourse, its devastating impact smacks not only the individual but everyone around them. One of the programmes Society260 is using to actively bridging this gap is 260 Poetry, a space for poetry and contemporary arts.
The venue pulsed with a colourful ambiance that fostered a mood of placid confidence. The air hummed with a rhythm of tranquility—a rare melody that invites the heart to dance and the mind to drown in coziness.
Through performed arts—spoken word, music, and dance—the artists crafted an atmosphere designed for relaxation, allowing attendees to fully live in the moment, relieve themselves of worry, and be their authentic selves. This therapeutic environment was immediately felt by guest speaker Augustine Lungu Jr. In his words:
“At the Society260 poetry event, where I was invited as guest speaker, I felt a calmness in the room, almost like the air itself was listening… Somewhere in the calmness of the sacred space that Society260 gifted to us, speaking from the heart felt less like performance and more like communion.”
Lungu Jr. shared from his book Life Cycle of the African Negro and performed a heartfelt tribute for a late friend, demonstrating the depth of personal vulnerability the venue encourages. The audience, composed mainly of adults, was encouraged to fully shed their stress. The space featured unconventional elements—including bouncy castles and bubble booths—to promote joy and release through playful regression.
Further, Anna Zgambo, guest speaker, encouraged the audience and fellow poets to always take criticism as an opportunity to learn. She said:
“Don’t take criticism as a bad thing, be objective enough and respect the opinions of your readers.”
Kenzo, a partner at Society260, said:
“The support we offer is an important piece of the puzzle, but we are not a replacement for professional care, in fact we work with many professionals. We absolutely need the clinical aspect for those facing serious mental struggles. However, what Society 260 provides is a vital safe space—a bridge of community and catharsis—where people can connect, be vulnerable, and realise they are not alone. We must acknowledge and provide both.”
In addition to performances, Society260 offered comfort amenities like on-site massage, food and drink, body art, and ‘paint-and-sip’ sessions—all curated to promote relaxation and help attendees gain a better understanding of self-care and mental resilience.
Society260 is proving that accessible art and a supportive environment are powerful tools in promoting self-awareness and normalising the discussion around mental well-being.
Immaculate Regina Sikanyika
Immaculate Regina Sikanyika is a writer and poet based in Lusaka, with a background in education and social communications. She is a passionate reader and writer. Some of her poetry works are published on her social media. Her creative nonfiction articles published in the Daily Nation Newspaper. She is a contributing author to two anthologies by Sotrane Publishers—Centennial Reflections: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Kenneth Kaunda and the Tristate: Reflections on Political, Economic and Cultural Independence in Post-Colonial Rhodesia and Nyasaland. As well as another by Copper Monstera—The Women and Money anthology. She dedicates her free time to children, educating them on moral values and as well having fun story time with them.
