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Antwerp City Poets Take Over the City Centre with Poetic Billboards

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In July 2024, the Antwerp City Poets took over 100 advertising columns across Antwerp with four new city poems on the theme of freedom by Lotte Dodion, Cleo Klapholz, Ruth Lasters and Lies Van Gasse.

Catapult designed the posters and was also a co-initiator and structural partner of the Antwerp City Poets during a period in which their activities were no longer supported by the City of Antwerp. We supported not only this project, but also the organisation’s broader work and other initiatives.

The concept was based on “poetic propaganda”: a deliberate repurposing of the billboard as a medium, not to encourage consumption, but to stimulate freer thinking. The numbered and signed posters were released as unique works of art, with all proceeds going directly to support the activities of the City Poets.

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‘MANIFEST’, Lotte Dodion (© Koen Broos)

‘MANIFEST’, Lotte Dodion

“In a global political and social climate where the freedom to be yourself is still under threat, I wrote this poem as a call and encouragement to boldly remain true to yourself.”

Untitled, Lies Van Gasse (© Koen Broos)

Untitled, Lies Van Gasse

Lies Van Gasse wrote a freely sprawling poem about bumping into each other in the city. On the poster, a few words are highlighted to pique the viewer’s curiosity.

Untitled, Ruth Lasters (© Koen Broos)

Untitled, Ruth Lasters

“The poem was created the day after the elections and reflects on the freedom that naturally goes hand in hand with responsibility. Voting is done anonymously, yet a voting machine screen is actually covered with unique—and in this case, highly meaningful—fingerprints. I found that paradox fascinating.”

‘Volière’, Cleo Kalpholz

The golden cage is a well-known concept. Day in and day out, we live with privileges that make our lives comfortable, but what do we give up in return? This philosophical question was the inspiration for the poem Volière.

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