Poetry Expo 25

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Poetry Expo 2025: Re-imagining the future through the power of words

Call for proposals 

 

We are delighted to announce the new edition of Poetry Expo 2025, organised and curated by Versopolis, the European platform for poetry. After the incredible success of previous editions, Poetry Expo 2025 returns with renewed energy, continuing to explore the vital role of poetry and literature in fostering global understanding, creativity and dialogue.

 

About Poetry Expo 2025

In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the power of poetry is more relevant than ever. Poetry Expo's digital format provides an inclusive, accessible space for poets, artists and thinkers to gather and reflect on the intersection of language, culture and the shared human experience. This year's theme, 'Igniting Change, One Verse at a Time', aims to explore how poetry can move us forward, both as individuals and as a global society.

Building on the foundations of our previous initiatives, Poetry Expo 2025 is dedicated to exploring the transformative potential of poetry and literature as tools for change, empathy and social justice. We invite creative individuals, communities, festivals and organisations from around the world to submit projects that push boundaries, embrace innovation and address today's pressing issues.

For this edition, Poetry Expo 2025 will delve deeper into pressing issues while expanding our exploration into new territories. Our key thematic focuses include:

 

  • Re-imagining identity through poetry:

In a world where identities are constantly evolving due to migration, cultural shifts and fluid social dynamics, poetry becomes a crucial means of expressing the complexities of personal and cultural identity. It provides a powerful voice for those navigating these layered realities, reflecting the human experience in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world.

 

  • The Ecology of Language: Poetry and Environmental Action:

As the urgency of the climate crisis grows, poetry is emerging as a force for ecological engagement. Poets are tapping into the deep connection between language and nature, creating works that highlight our responsibility to the environment and inspire action. These poems serve as a call for unity between human expression and the natural world, urging readers to reflect on environmental stewardship.

 

  • Technopoetics: AI, Digital Media and the Future of Creativity:

At the intersection of artificial intelligence and artistic creation, AI and digital media are reshaping the landscape of poetry. Technology is not only a tool, but also a collaborator in the expansion of poetic practices, making it possible to reach new audiences and challenge traditional forms of expression. The fusion of human creativity and technological innovation opens up endless possibilities for the future of literature.

 

  • Healing Narratives: Poetry, Mental Health and Collective Trauma:

In times of mental health crisis and collective trauma, poetry serves as a space for healing and catharsis. By confronting pain, offering comfort and fostering resilience, poetry plays a vital role in mental wellbeing. It normalises discussions about mental health, provides a language for personal and collective struggles, and contributes to the broader conversation about healing in modern society.

 

  • Cultural Resilience: Literature as a force for social justice:

In the midst of persistent social inequalities, poetry remains a powerful platform for marginalised voices and an engine for change. It confronts injustice head-on, champions diversity and envisions a more just and inclusive future. Through its ability to inspire and provoke, poetry fuels social justice movements and embodies cultural resilience.

 

  • Poetry and the Digital Commons: New platforms, new audiences:

As digital platforms continue to transform the way poetry is created, shared, and experienced, they open the door to larger, more diverse audiences. Online performances, multimedia collaborations, and interactive experiences break down barriers of access and allow poets to engage with readers and viewers in innovative ways. The digital realm offers a vast new frontier for poets to experiment and reach a global audience.

 

How to get involved

We invite literary institutions, collectives, artists, media and individuals to submit their ideas, projects and proposals for this edition of Poetry Expo. Content can range from readings and performances to multimedia presentations and collaborations, demonstrating the breadth of what poetry can achieve in the digital realm.

 

Key submission details:

  1. Audio and video content: Maximum 60 minutes, hosted on platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo.
  2. Language: English is preferred, but works in other languages are welcome with English subtitles or/and synopses.
  3. Submission limit: Max 2 projects per entrant.
  4. Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by 3rd of January 2025.


Support and recognition

Although Poetry Expo 2025 is a not-for-profit initiative, it offers global visibility to participants. We also offer limited funding for translations and collaborative projects. Join us in reimagining how poetry can inspire, influence and connect communities around the world.

 

Let's create together

This is your chance to be part of the world's largest digital celebration of poetry, where creativity meets purpose. Together, let's foster a collective dialogue through the transformative power of words, shaping new realities and building bridges across cultural and geographical divides.

 

The Poetry Expo 2025 application form will open soon. For further enquiries, please contact us at poetryexpo@versopolis.com.

 

Let's create a future where poetry continues to move and inspire us all.