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The European project “Poetry Unbound” the enduring presence of poetry in public space. Long before the printed book, poetry was already embedded in the streets—on walls, stones, and monuments. Over the course of 2025 and 2026, the project will facilitate transnational collaborations across Antwerp, Genoa, and Bratislava, resulting in the creation of murals, poetic interventions, and new artistic connections that challenge traditional literary formats.
Mission
Poetry Unbound is a multi-year creation and research project focusing on poetry beyond the book. Poetry is brought back into the public space, both online and offline. During the project, in situ work will be created, residencies will be hosted, and best practices will be shared. Special attention is paid to industrial heritage from the ports and places in transition, in which artists often play a pioneering role in making them part of the urban fabric. Poetry Unbound aims to put the discipline of poetry in the public space on the international map and to professionalize it.
Vision
Poetry Unbound envisions, develops, and shares inclusive ways to connect authors and audiences. By situating literature in public spaces, it lowers barriers to access and fosters engagement across diverse communities. The project harnesses the power of poetry to contribute to placemaking, strengthening the cultural identity of urban spaces and enhancing their livability.
Poetry Unbound also supports the creative and professional development of cultural agents by facilitating creation, production, and mobility. During 2025-2026, the project will include six transnational residencies engaging twelve artists, the interdisciplinary creation of twelve murals by twelve artists, and presentations at six festivals. Additionally, a transnational roadmap for 'spatial publishing' will be developed, featuring six videos, three essays, and a website with tools and an online archive.
By embedding translated poetry into public spaces, Poetry Unbound offers European citizens the opportunity to discover voices from across the continent. The project fosters a shared sense of place, connecting communities through transnational cultural experiences and reinforcing the role of literature in shaping a more creative and sustainable Europe.
Partners
