Festival: May 21-24 Workshop: May 18-24
Policromia is an international poetry festival celebrating poetry and the art of literary translation. Curated by the director of the Siena Art Institute Miriam Grottanelli and poets Mairéad Byrne and Will Schutt, Policromia commits to building poetry and translation community locally and internationally.
Through a series of engaging poetry readings and roundtables, we seek to create connections between poets, translators, and audiences from around the world. Our venues are woven into the texture and fabric of the city of Siena–from the most ornate chambers to museums, galleries, artisan workshops, gardens, and commercial spaces.
Our festival is of, not just in, Siena.
Policromia 2026
The Policromia International Poetry Festival
May 21 to 24
Every year, a small, diverse group of poets and translators gathers in one of the most beautiful cities in Italy for four days of poetry readings, roundtables, and informal receptions.
The Festival provides a unique opportunity to:
● hear a wide range of contemporary poets from around the world
● discover Siena
● share ideas during question & answer sessions and receptions
● generate new collaborations
Our setting is ideal for recharging poetic inspiration through immersive listening and active discussion within a community of poets and translators.
We are pleased to announce our 2026 participating poets and translators:
- Caroline Bergvall
- Dylan Brennan
- Mairéad Byrne
- Stefano Dal Bianco
- Ellen Dillon
- Carmen Gallo
- Dora Malech
- Keith Payne
- Massimo Schuster
- Will Schutt
- Hannah Sullivan
Contact us at policromia.siena@gmail.com
The Policromia Poetry Workshop
May 18 to 24
In conjunction with our International Poetry Festival, the Siena Art Institute offers the Policromia Poetry Workshop.
Led by poets Dora Malech and Will Schutt, the Poetry Workshop offers four days of writing workshops, master classes, and individual conferences. The Policromia Poetry Workshop culminates in a final reading.
After the workshop, participants attend the Policromia International Poetry Festival, four days of poetry readings, roundtable discussions, and receptions in the city of Siena.
The Policromia Poetry Workshop is a great opportunity for writers looking to refine their craft, share their work, and join the conversation around contemporary poetry and translation.
While workshops, master classes, and conferences are in English, we welcome applications from non-native speakers.
For details and application information, click here.
You can contact us at policromia.workshop@gmail.com
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