The first steps have been made to appoint Brussels' first urban lyricists, who will aim to unite residents through writing, by next year.
While several cities in Flanders are already home to city or urban poets, the concept had not yet made its way to Brussels. However, earlier this year, it was announced that Brussels will have a collective of urban poets as soon as from 2024.
"A city poetship brings the city and all its citizens closer together through poetry, which pours current events into words and images so that we can collectively give what lives in our city a unique place," Brussels MP Lotte Stoops (Green party Groen) said. The news was confirmed by competent minister Sven Gatz following a written question from Stoops (Groen).
The poet appointed by the city administration and as part of the honorary role is asked to write and, during special events, recite a number of poems within the city. In the case of Brussels, Stoop said the poet should also embrace its typical multilingualism and give city poetry broad and multidisciplinary content.
"City poets offer an excellent opportunity to playfully work on language skills and explore together with children and non-native speakers," Stoops said.
Next steps
Exploratory discussions have been held with poets, experts and civil society organisations, including the team in charge of preparing Brussels' bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2030, Brussels2030, which will now also take charge of this concept.
"By sitting around the table with all kinds of partners, we get an up-and-coming Brussels outcome. Art and culture give a voice to Brussels and the people of Brussels. It connects in a positive way in times where this is so much needed," Stoops said.
In the coming weeks, it will present a charter that will set out the general modalities of city poetry. Brussels2030 will also be responsible for putting together the jury to select a city poet. The winning candidate would be announced at the end of this year so that the person can start the position in 2024.
