Poetry evening in the EU Info Centre: Literature knows no borders
To mark the World Poetry Day, 21 March, the EU Info Centre in Sarajevo hosted a poetry evening on the topic of the role of poetry in contemporary developments in BiH society on 29 March. The event fea...
To mark the World Poetry Day, 21 March, the EU Info Centre in Sarajevo hosted a poetry evening on the topic of the role of poetry in contemporary developments in BiH society on 29 March. The event featured readings of literary works by BiH prominent writers and poets, followed by an informal discussion.
“It is my pleasure to participate at this cultural evening, since we are all aware how powerful tool culture is in building bridges between people and reinforcing mutual understanding. Culture, especially literature, knows no borders, however, it cannot thrive without financial assistance. The EU is committed to supporting cultural advancements through its Creative Europe Programme,” said Ambassador Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH, expressing his satisfaction that two writers from BiH have been awarded the EU Prize for Literature.
On this occasion, Ambassador Wigemark also read a short poem by Rumi, “If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished”, which he dedicated to the EU’s efforts, the BiH political leadership and all other actors involved in the implementation of reforms in the country.
Faruk Šehić, the first winner of the 2013 EU Prize for Literature from BiH shared his valuable experience acquired after winning the prize.
“This award has provided me with new opportunities and perspectives when it comes to gaining new insights in my creative work and leaving my comfort zone, therefore, broadening my literary horizons”, Šehić concluded.
A renowned BiH poet, Mile Stojić, presented his view on the current literary and cultural scene in BiH, noting that “Poetry is the social reality of nowadays. It is a track record of the history of the defeated, while literature captures genuine human values. BiH poets are not an exception to this rule”.
The event was rounded off by an impressive guitar solo performance by a renowned BiH writer and poet Ahmed Burić.
Held every year on 21 March, the World Poetry Day celebrates one of the humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity. It is the occasion to honor poets, revive oral traditions of poetry recitals, promote the reading, writing and teaching of poetry, foster the convergence between poetry and other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and raise the visibility of poetry in the media.
The European Union Prize for Literature is funded by the Creative Europe Programme. Each winner receives 5,000 Euros, their books receive wide promotion and each writer receives financial support to see their work translated. Faruk Šehić, a BiH writer and columnist, was the first winner from BiH to win the European Prize for Literature in 2013 for his novel book ‘The Book of Una’ (‘Knjiga o Uni’). In 2016, a winning author from Banja Luka, Tanja Stupar-Trifunović, was awarded the same prize for her book ‘Clocks in my mother’s room’ (‘Satovi u majčinoj sobi).
