1. How did you select which poems got to take flight?
Casagrande and Poetry International Rotterdam carefully selected poems from contemporary poets that represent both Dutch and Chilean voices. We acknowledge the limitations of what we can feature and aimed for a diverse range of styles and themes to capture the vibrancy of today’s poetic scene in both the Netherlands and Chile.

2. Was Bombing of Poems environmentally friendly?
Absolutely! We're committed to making this a sustainable celebration:
• The CO2 emission of the flight will be compensated.
• Poems are printed on wood-free, biodegradable paper with eco-friendly ink.
• Poetry International and Casagrande conducted a clean-up after the event – even though this was unnecessary since attendees picked up the poems as a keepsake.
• Tromp, the printing partner for his event operates CO2-neutral.
• We'll publish a Green Report.

3. Why was the term 'bombing' used in this context?
The bombing of Rotterdam is a deeply rooted part of the city's identity. Keeping the term "bombing" connects directly to this historical moment that was violent and impactful. In a time when wars are still taking place, we believe it is important to actively continue to remember the destructive impact of violence.

By using the term Bombing, we acknowledge the actual tragedy of May 14, 1940 in Rotterdam and connect it with other cities and contexts that have had similar experiences. Blurring or softening that terminology would diminish the power of the message: that even the darkest moments in history can be given new meaning through art.

4. How can I learn more about the bombing of Rotterdam?
Museum Rotterdamhas an immersive exhibition about the bombing of Rotterdam. A unique opportunity to experience Rotterdam's history and understand why this poetry event is so meaningful for our city.

5. Who organised this project? 
The ‘Bombing of Poems’ concept was created by the visionary artists of Casagrande Collective in 2001. Here in the Netherlands, they're collaborating with Poetry International to bring this powerful symbolic art intervention to Rotterdam. Poetry International collaborated with:
Comité 4 en 5 mei
Comité Herdenking 14 mei
Dichters voor Vrede
Gaggero Works
Laurenskerk
Museum Rotterdam
Oligar da Paz
Relight
Rotterdam Make it Happen
Stof
Wederopbouwmuseum
J.P van Eesteren & Dura Vermeer

Gemeente Rotterdam: Directie Veiligheid (DV), VRR-BW, POL (politie), Stadsbeheer, Team Verkeersregie (TV), Stadsbeheer (SB), RET, Rotterdam Film & Media Office (RFMO)

Bombing of Poems received grants from: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Rotterdam Festivals, Stichting Van Beuningen/Peterich-fonds, Rotterdam 80 Jaar Vrijheid, VFonds and Volkskracht.