In an era where literature is often confined to books and screens, the newly launched project Poetry Unbound seeks to reconnect poetry with the public space—where it has always belonged. This initiative, uniting cultural organizations from Italy, Slovakia, and Belgium, aims to embed poetry into the very fabric of cities, making it a natural and integral part of urban life.

Long before the printed book, poetry was already present in public spaces—inscribed on walls, stones, and monuments. Poetry Unbound revitalizes this tradition by integrating literary works into the built environment, offering passersby unexpected encounters with verse in their daily routines. The project focuses on sustainability and accessibility, ensuring that poetry remains the most widespread and democratic form of literature.

Between 2025 and 2026, Poetry Unbound will facilitate six transnational residencies, bringing together twelve artists to create twelve large-scale murals infused with poetic elements. The initiative will also be showcased at six major festivals, engaging local communities in discussions about the role of literature in shaping urban identity. To further its impact, the project will develop a transnational roadmap for ‘spatial publishing,’ including videos, essays, and an online archive to share its methodology and inspire future literary urban interventions.

By inscribing poetry into public spaces, Poetry Unbound fosters a shared cultural experience that transcends borders. It invites European citizens to encounter diverse poetic voices, strengthening community bonds and enriching the cultural landscape of cities. This project is a testament to the enduring power of words to shape our environments and connect people in meaningful ways.