World Poetry Day, observed on March 21, was established in 1999 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) “with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard.” 

This celebration, hosted by the Last Hoisan Poets (Genny Lim, Flo Oy Wong, and Nellie Wong), welcomes you to consider how poetry builds bridges that bring people together. Practiced throughout history – in every culture and on every continent – poetry speaks to our common humanity and our shared values. The simplest of poems can be a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace. 

Join the Last Hoisan Poets for a series of pop-up readings in the de Young galleries.