Dear Versopolis friends,this week we concluded the biggest event for Versopolis - Poetry Expo, reaching over 300,000 individuals worldwide. We would like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this happen. March heralds the inauguration of a new festival season, with the first two festivals just around the corner. We invite you to mark your calendars, as the comprehensive list of this year's festivals is already available on versopolis.com.As we approach the final days of official winter, we've curated special content to enrich your days. Our latest Versopolis podcast delves into the theme of poetry in confinement – exploring its manifestations from quarantine to incarceration. Additionally, our video section transports you to the far reaches of northern Europe, where the dark winter of Sweden serves as a poignant backdrop for poetry's luminous presence.Join us for another month of poetic delights and beauty of verse.

With poetic regards,
Your Versopolis teamTHANK YOU!Poetry Expo 2024As the curtains close on another remarkable edition of Poetry Expo, we at Versopolis extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who attended and contributed to the success of Poetry Expo 2024. Building on the vibrant legacy of our inaugural digital fair in 2023, this year's Expo not only celebrated the intricate tapestry of human creativity and literature, but also delved deeper into the pressing issues of our time through the universal language of poetry. We've reached over 300 thousand people worldwide, and we couldn't have done it without you. Poetry Expo 2024, under the theme Versing Futures: Unravelling Unity Through Poetry, has once again demonstrated the limitless power of words to transcend boundaries, connect across the globe and inspire change.We are immensely grateful to the more than 90 organisations and individuals from around the world who shared their projects, insights and visions for a better world through poetry. Your contributions not only enriched our understanding, but also sparked meaningful dialogue and fostered a sense of global unity.As we reflect on the successes of Poetry Expo 2024, we are reminded of our shared commitment to using poetry as a tool for social change, cultural exchange and the flourishing of human creativity. The connections made and dialogues initiated during this Expo are a testament to the enduring relevance of poetry in our lives and societies.We invite you to continue this journey with us, carrying forward the spirit of innovation, dialogue and unity. Let us keep the flame of creativity burning bright as we look forward to the opportunities and inspiration that the next edition of Poetry Expo will undoubtedly bring.

LITERATURE OF CONFINEMENTVersopolis podcast #13Much renowned literature was written behind bars by illustrious writers from Marquis de Sade to Dostoyevsky, from Nazim Hikmet to Vitomil Zupan. How is literature, written in a confined environment, different from literature written in the free world? Why is tuberculosis closely related to the history of Swedish literature? Who was Helge Dahlstedt and what was so revolutionary about his idea to offer humanistic healing, alongside the medical? On the other hand, what is it like to mentor literary workshops inside Slovenia’s largest and most secure prison? How is it possible to separate an artistic soul from a criminal one? Is the feverish soul the only one that creates great works of art? These questions are addressed by Erik Jonsson and Matjaž Pikalo in their conversation with Mitja Drab.>> Listen here

VERSOPOLIS IN LONDONLondon Book Fair 2024Versopolis is proud to present a special event at the European Poetry Festival on the 13th of March 2024 at the Poetry Society Cafe in London. This special event, ingeniously integrated into the London Book Fair's cultural programme, promises to be an unforgettable evening of poetry and performance. Celebrating the rich diversity of European poetry, the event will feature an impressive line-up of Versopolis poets, including the renowned Zuzana Husarova, Peter Zavada, Harry Man, Helen Ivory, Tomica Bajsic and Antoine Cassar. These luminaries will share the stage with esteemed UK-based poets, collaborating on world premieres that range from literary performances to avant-garde experimental. This convergence of talent and creativity not only highlights the vibrant landscapes of European poetry, but also fosters a unique dialogue between poets across borders. For those wishing to immerse themselves in this compelling cultural exchange, further details can be found on the European Poetry Festival website.>> More information

MARCH FESTIVALSLittfest & Goran's SpringAs spring makes its atmospheric entrance, poetry enthusiasts have reason to celebrate with the first two Versopolis festivals in line - marking their calendars for literary delights.First up is Littfest, Sweden's largest literature festival, taking place from March 14th to 16th. This eagerly anticipated event boasts an impressive lineup of authors and poets, including Versopolis guest authors Joelle Taylor and Luljeta Lleshanaku. Joining them are acclaimed international guests like G.Men-Ooyo from Mongolia, Naajla Eltom from Sudan, and Laurie Halse Andersson from the USA, Zadie Smith and Han Kang, alongside renowned Swedish poets. With over 150 guests Littfest promises a stimulating blend of seminars, discussions, and performances.Since its inception in 2007, Littfest has evolved into a cornerstone of Sweden's literary scene, offering a platform for diverse voices and thought-provoking conversations. Held annually during week 11, the festival's main venue, Umeå Folkets Hus, welcomes literature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of ideas across four parallel stages.

Following closely the 61st Goran Spring, happening from March 20th to 23rd in Zagreb, Lukovdol, and Rijeka. The festival promises to be a vibrant showcase of poetry, featuring the prestigious Goran's Wreath and Goran for Young Poets awards. Expect captivating performances by around fifteen poets from Europe and beyond, alongside their domestic counterparts. With a diverse program spanning venues like the Zagreb Puppet Theater and the iconic Ex Libris bookstore, attendees can look forward to dynamic collaborations intertwining poetry with film, music, and performance.>> Find out more about the upcoming festivals

BRINGING LIGHT TO THE DARKNESS OF NORTHERN EUROPEMy life with poetryWe sat down with Erik Jonsson, the festival director of Littfest, a cornerstone event within the early spring lineup of Versopolis festivals. Our discussion delved into the rich tapestry of Swedish literary culture, exploring the genesis of the festival, the evolving themes within Swedish literature, the significance of poetry festivals, and the pivotal role Versopolis plays in shaping the landscape of European poetry.>> Watch here

VERSOPOLIS IN G20 ANTHOLOGYRepresenting European UnionVersopolis was invited by the European Commission to contribute to the anthology G20, curated by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and the Sahitya Akademi, India's prestigious National Academy of Letters. Out of the pool of Versopolis poets, Slovenian poet Jure Jakob was chosen by the initiators to represent the Versopolis platform in this prestigious anthology with his poem 'Galebi' / 'Seagulls'.

The G20 Anthology of Poetry, Under the Same Sky, was a literary initiative to celebrate the languages and literature through the poetic voices of the G20 members and invitee countries. This publication showcases the diversity of literary expressions and the dynamic culture of the participating countries, and the impulses of hope, compassion, and dialogue that they share. The anthology included one poem from each of the G20 members and invitee countries in their native languages with an English translation. This anthology embodies the spirit of India’s G20 theme: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, which emphasises the harmonious interrelationships that connect all denizens of this planet, across the lines of identity, location, nationality, and species membership.

VIR: Versopolis