The Relevance and Potential of Poetry

Alphabet – Denmark's literature- and poetry house is an association driven by a passion for poetry, its playful use of language, and its ability to convey both the simple and the complex. Aplhabet works in an original, aesthetic, and outward-looking way to demonstrate the relevance and potential of poetry as a force for change, with a particular focus on children and young people.

Poetry as a Collective Force

Alphabet – Denmark's literature- and poetry house views literature and poetry as a shared creative process—much like a band creating music together. Here, poetry is not just words on paper but a radical imaginative force activated when people come together to explore and expand their language and understanding of the world. Through communities of young people, artists, and readers, Alphabet generates the words and images that articulate the world—both as it is and as it ought to be.

They work purposefully to nurture generations of strong writers, curious readers, and creative thinkers. This is achieved through initiatives like the award-winning 'Ordskælv' projects, where young people co-create writing and reading communities, resulting in anthologies filled with voices that are rarely heard. Alphabet also creates spaces for poetry through readings, conversations, debates, concerts, and other artistic events.

Poetry for the People

A concrete example of how Alphabet – Denmark's literature- and poetry house transforms visions into reality is The Poetry Bus—an electric-powered literary platform that brings poetry directly to people across Denmark and the Nordic region. Since June 2023, the bus has visited festivals, schools, prisons, cultural centers, and libraries, carrying writers, workshops, and a love of words. The Poetry Bus makes it possible to meet people where they are and bring literature into public spaces.

Alphabet – Denmark's literature- and poetry house has a special focus on creating spaces for children and young people—especially those who rarely seek out literary communities. 'Ordskælv', an award-winning writing workshop, collaborates with civil society organizations to give young people a platform where their stories can be told and heard. These narratives hold the seeds of change and contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive community.

To strengthen children's and young people's engagement with literature, Alphabet has appointed eight writers and eight visual artists who together form 'The Poetry Team'. They conduct the signature workshop Ordbær, where children and young people can explore the power of literature on their own terms. This workshop serves as an open invitation to become part of Alphabet's vibrant literary community.

Alphabet in Numbers

Each year, Alphabet – Denmark's literature- and poetry house reaches more than 2,000 children and young people through activities in Denmark and the Nordic region. In 2022, the organization took over the youth-driven activities from 'Ordskælv' and became part of The International Alliance of Youth Writing Centers, which reaches 751,000 children and young people worldwide annually.