Window poetry was born during the pandemic in the fall of 2020. Authors, non-profit organizations in the field of literature, the region, the university, and representatives of various parts of the City of Gothenburg worked together on an application to become a UNESCO City of Literature. Window poetry came about as a playful way of telling the story of that work and to create a sense of pride for Gothenburg as a City of Literature!
Six Fridays at noon, a window was slammed open on Lagerhuset, a historic customs house that is now home to the Gothenburg House of Literature, several book publishers, and the editorial offices of many of Sweden's cultural magazines. Two poets and a musician stood there performing their arts – out into the city space which made passers-by turn their heads up in curiosity. These artists became symbols for the city’s literary collaboration and performing arts activities, at professional and grassroots level alike.
Window poetry provided a solid view into Gothenburg's multifaceted literary world while also highlighting the power of stage poetry and the written word. The performers were offered one of the few paid assignments during the pandemic.
An audience of 50 people were allowed in the venue in the autumn. The performances were streamed and a movie about the project was produced. When Window poetry was back on the schedule in the spring of 2021, harsher restrictions were required due to Covid-19, which led to a more professional streaming service.
Window poetry and its concept spread, and by the time of the city’s birthday on the 4th of June, Window poetry had become a part of Gothenburg’s 400-year anniversary! A steady flow of poetry performed by 23 poets in 21 libraries and cultural centers all around the city was streamed online. The recorded material was shared, and a poet’s performance was broadcast each day during the rest of the month. A few weeks following the birthday, the total number of watched videos had reached nearly 35,000.
All participating poets: Sarya Akgül, Olivia Bergdahl, Karin Brygger, Sayam Chortip, Oliver Cruz Rankovic, Anna Johnson, Lina Ekdahl, Helena Eriksson, Sara Garib, Frej Haar, Anna-Karin Hellqvist, Oskar Hanska, Nadja Itäsaari, Elias Abi Jaber, Sabrin Jaja, Suad Omar Jama, Pamela Jaskoviak, Anna Johnson, Kennet Klemets, Jörgen Lind, Nino Mick, Segal Mohamed, Jila Mossaed, Fredrik Nyberg, Yasmin Omar, José Romero Jaldin, Idris Sharifi, Ragnar Strömberg, Mauritz Tistelö, Pär Thörn, Jenny Tunedal, UKON (Ulf Karl Olov Nilsson), Evelina Varas, Ghirmay Yohannes
All participating musicians: Åsa Gustafsson, Kristina Issa, Mikael Johansson, Carita Jonsson, Lisen Rylander Löve, Paxo
Six Fridays at noon, a window was slammed open on Lagerhuset, a historic customs house that is now home to the Gothenburg House of Literature, several book publishers, and the editorial offices of many of Sweden's cultural magazines. Two poets and a musician stood there performing their arts – out into the city space which made passers-by turn their heads up in curiosity. These artists became symbols for the city’s literary collaboration and performing arts activities, at professional and grassroots level alike.
Window poetry provided a solid view into Gothenburg's multifaceted literary world while also highlighting the power of stage poetry and the written word. The performers were offered one of the few paid assignments during the pandemic.
An audience of 50 people were allowed in the venue in the autumn. The performances were streamed and a movie about the project was produced. When Window poetry was back on the schedule in the spring of 2021, harsher restrictions were required due to Covid-19, which led to a more professional streaming service.
Window poetry and its concept spread, and by the time of the city’s birthday on the 4th of June, Window poetry had become a part of Gothenburg’s 400-year anniversary! A steady flow of poetry performed by 23 poets in 21 libraries and cultural centers all around the city was streamed online. The recorded material was shared, and a poet’s performance was broadcast each day during the rest of the month. A few weeks following the birthday, the total number of watched videos had reached nearly 35,000.
All participating poets: Sarya Akgül, Olivia Bergdahl, Karin Brygger, Sayam Chortip, Oliver Cruz Rankovic, Anna Johnson, Lina Ekdahl, Helena Eriksson, Sara Garib, Frej Haar, Anna-Karin Hellqvist, Oskar Hanska, Nadja Itäsaari, Elias Abi Jaber, Sabrin Jaja, Suad Omar Jama, Pamela Jaskoviak, Anna Johnson, Kennet Klemets, Jörgen Lind, Nino Mick, Segal Mohamed, Jila Mossaed, Fredrik Nyberg, Yasmin Omar, José Romero Jaldin, Idris Sharifi, Ragnar Strömberg, Mauritz Tistelö, Pär Thörn, Jenny Tunedal, UKON (Ulf Karl Olov Nilsson), Evelina Varas, Ghirmay Yohannes
All participating musicians: Åsa Gustafsson, Kristina Issa, Mikael Johansson, Carita Jonsson, Lisen Rylander Löve, Paxo
