While questions about Borderlines open up increasingly fraught debate in the world we live in, borders are often the most productive space for poetry: after all, art is all about a meeting of differences, about opening up to the unexpected, about being able to hold opposites together. Of course, poetry also allows us to cross the borders between the self and the other, and in our second theme for 2018 we’ll be considering how The Self is expressed in poetry, and looking to open up questions of identity and character.

We’re excited about a particularly international line-up this year, with poets and artists joining us from China, Korea, New Zealand, Trinidad, Germany, Ireland, Estonia, the Netherlands and Flanders. Complementing this is our Going Dutch focus, shining the spotlight on Dutch, Frisian and Flemish, the three languages of the Low Countries. And of course we’ll be showcasing UK-based poets, artists, musicians, writers and filmmakers, both those at the top of their game and emerging voices to get excited about.

Through readings, performances and discussions, film, music and exhibitions, workshops and open mics, StAnza 2018 explores and celebrates the whole range and spectrum of poetry today, from spoken word to concrete poetry. We look forward to seeing you there!

Full festival programme details here