Poetry Expo 25

In an era marked by migration, cultural fluidity, and shifting social landscapes, poetry offers a profound medium for exploring the complexities of identity. It gives voice to the nuanced experiences of those navigating borders—both physical and psychological—capturing the rich tapestry of selfhood in a world where cultures intersect and evolve. We are looking for works and projects that reimagine who we are, offering fresh perspectives on belonging, heritage, and the multifaceted nature of human experience.

• The Ecology of Language - Poetry and Environmental Action:

With the climate crisis intensifying, poetry has become a powerful means of fostering ecological awareness and engagement. Poets draw upon the intrinsic bond between language and nature, creating works that evoke the urgency of our environmental responsibilities. We seek projects that highlight the interdependence between humans and the natural world, offering a poetic call to action that invites reflection, inspires stewardship, and envisions new ways of living in harmony with our planet.

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

Artificial intelligence and digital media are redefining the boundaries of poetic expression, challenging traditional norms and expanding the creative horizon. AI becomes not just a tool, but a collaborator—opening doors to innovative forms, new narrative structures, and previously unimagined aesthetic possibilities. We invite works and projects that explore these intersections, offering fresh ways to engage audiences and creating a dialogue between human imagination and machine learning that pushes literature into the future.

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

In moments of crisis and collective suffering, poetry becomes a sanctuary—an outlet for expressing pain, finding solace, and building resilience. It provides a shared language for grappling with the complexities of mental health, offering a space where stigmas can be dismantled and vulnerabilities expressed. We are looking for works that address the invisible struggles of the mind, facilitating empathy, understanding, and contributing to the collective journey towards recovery through the power of poetry.

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

Amid ongoing struggles for equity and justice, poetry stands as a rallying cry for marginalized voices and a catalyst for societal change. It confronts systems of oppression, challenges the status quo, and envisions possibilities for a fairer, more inclusive world. We seek projects that embody cultural resilience, using poetry to inspire, provoke, and fuel social justice movements, imagining a future where all voices are heard and valued.

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

Digital spaces are reshaping the ways in which poetry is created, experienced, and shared, breaking down barriers and extending the reach of poetic expression. Through online performances, multimedia projects, and immersive digital experiences, poets can connect with global audiences in more intimate and innovative ways. We are eager to see projects that push the boundaries of traditional forms, using the digital realm to forge new connections and engage with a diverse, global audience.