Poznań of the Poets has a long tradition (being held every two years since 2003). It has become a distinctive and important event in literary life of Poland. Its curator, Professor Piotr Śliwiński (AMU), is one of the most eminent experts in contemporary poetry, active and versatile critic as well as the originator of numerous undertakings promoting literary culture.
“Poznań Poetów is a piece of life and a piece taken from life, a better piece” – Professor Śliwiński writes. The festival, held for the eighth time, will present the best, or at least the most compelling of what Polish and international poetry have to offer. As is our custom, we will try to do so in a somewhat different manner than before.
There will be poets perfectly known to all (Sommer, Wiedemann, Pasewicz, Lipska, Klicka, Dymińska, as well as Krystyna Miłobędzka, on the eve of her 85th birthday anniversary); international authors (Yoko Tawada from Japan, János Háy from Hungary) and female poets of the younger generation.
We will dedicate a special session to poetry by A. Wat and hold a discussion about the unknown poems by Wojaczek, as well as read for children. In short, there will be plenty of opportunity to learn and debate poetry-related issues. Plus, the festival this year comes with a lot of music (concerts, poetry disco, poets-composers). Also, we have prepared a number of competitions, including the most serious ones, such as the Klemens Janicki competition, and contests addressed to younger participants, e.g. The Art of Love for Poems and the finals of the all-Poland slam league. Finally, towards the end of the festival, Zbigniew Herbert will return. The older audiences may remember: he was here in 1984, and now is going to speak again. Do come, you are most welcome.
This year’s edition is taking place from May 15th to May 20th, 2017!
One of our meetings will be held entirely in English, as BILL MORAN will conduct a SLAM WORKSHOP. Places may be booked from May 1st, 2017.