Sustainable Poetry Development

How can poetry contribute to a more sustainable world? In this programme – part of The Poetry Summit – we explore the role of ecopoetics as a powerful tool for expressing our interconnectedness with the Earth and revealing the relationships between species. Poets Rozalie Hirs (NLD) and Maricela Guerrero (MEX) are both known for their poetic explorations of the ties between humanity, nature, and language. 

In a vibrant blend of performance and conversation, they show how poetry can give voice to fragile ecosystems – and how language itself can be seen as an ecological system, one that calls for care and attentiveness. Drawing from their distinct backgrounds, Hirs and Guerrero offer a rich range of perspectives, from science and sensory perception to activism and emotional kinship. 

Expect an inspiring, multilayered program where poetry doesn’t just speak about sustainability, but is sustainable – as a form, a practice, and an act of connection.

Maricela Guerrero

Maricela Guerrero is a Mexican poet and writer who obtained a Master’s degree in Latin American Literature from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Her first poetry collection, Desde las ramas una guacamaya (2006), was inspired by her walks and runs. Guerrero has published several poetry collections, including Se llaman nebulosas (2010), De lo perdido, lo hallado (2015), and El sueño de toda célula (2018), which earned her the Clemencia Isaura Prize. 

Her poetry often connects deeply with nature, exploring humanity’s relationship with it and how we relate to one another in modern culture. Guerrero’s work blends scientific and poetic language, creating complex and passionate expressions. In 2023, she published her first novel Bronce dorado, which tackles women’s societal roles, youth, and queer love. Her poetry has been translated into several languages, including English, French, German, and Swedish.

Rozalie Hirs

Rozalie Hirs (1965) is a Dutch poet and composer, known for her innovative approach to language and sound. Her poetry is characterized by fluid sonic structures and an open syntax that allows for multiple layers of meaning. She has published nine collections in Dutch, including ecologica (Vleugels, 2023), which was awarded the Jan Campert Prize. In this collection, Hirs explores the vulnerability of nature and the climate crisis, portraying endangered species and ecosystems not with cynicism but with wonder and a deep love of language. She views language as an ecological system—one that demands care and attentiveness. Hirs’ multidisciplinary approach and her ability to weave together poetry and science make her a unique voice in contemporary literature. 

Mia You

Mia You is a poet and the author of the poetry collections Festival and I, Too, Dislike It, as well as the chapbook Objective Practice. Her writing has been featured in Artforum, The Boston Review, and The Los Angeles Review of Books. She currently teaches English literature at Utrecht University and is affiliated with the Critical Studies program at the Sandberg Institute.