What is the state of poetry in 2026? The richness of language and the diversity of its audiences keep poetry constantly evolving as an art form. Everyone experiences poetry in their own way. And while poetry is deeply personal, like-minded people find each other, inspire one another, and grow together. They form circles, movements, or entirely new subgenres.
Where is poetry heading? Poet Laureate of the Netherlands Nisrine Mbarki Ben Ayad opens the festival Friday with a keynote, sharing her perspective on poetry and where it might go next.
