2025 Policromia Festival booklet
Policromia is an International Poetry Festival that celebrates poetry and the art of translation. Organized by the Siena Art Institute in collaboration with poets Mairéad Byrne and Will Schutt, the festival brings together voices from around the world for a rich program of readings, workshops, and creative dialogue.
Policromia will be back 17-24 May 2026!
Poetry, Translation, and Creative Exchange
From May 22 to 25, Siena will host poets, translators, and artists for three immersive days of events that will serve as meeting point for languages, cultures, and artistic forms.
The events will take place in carefully selected venues that reflect Siena’s character and charm. These include historic halls, artisan workshops, museums, galleries, and open-air public spaces. This integration with the city’s cultural fabric offers attendees a truly unique experience of poetry in context.
This Year’s Featured Guests
We are honored to welcome a remarkable lineup of poets and translators from across the globe:
- Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha
- Carmen Gallo
- Franca Mancinelli
- John Murillo
- Massimo Schuster
- Nicole Sealey
- Luke Kennard
Their voices represent a wide range of poetic traditions, styles, and cultural backgrounds. Together, they will explore the themes of voice, place, and the art of translating poetry across borders.
The 2025 Policromia Festival Program
📅 Thursday May 22
6 P.M.
Il Punto | The Point, Via Enea Silvio Piccolomini, 2
A Reading by Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha and Massimo Schuster
EVENT LANGUAGES: English, Irish, Italian
FREE ENTRANCE – Followed by aperitivo
📅 Friday May 23
11 A.M.
Biblioteca e Fototeca Giuliano Briganti, Santa Maria della Scala-Livello 5, Piazza Duomo 2
A Reading by Will Schutt and Carmen Gallo
EVENT LANGUAGES: English, Italian
In collaboration with Biblioteca and Fototeca Giuliano Briganti
📅 Friday May 23
5 P.M.
Accademia dei Fisiocritici, Piazzetta Silvio Gigli, 2
A Reading by Franca Mancinelli and John Murillo
EVENT LANGUAGES: English, Italian
FREE ENTRANCE – In collaboration with Academy of the Fisiocritici
📅 Saturday May 24
11 A.M.
I. I. S. Enea Silvio Piccolomini, Prato S. Agostino
A Reading by Mairéad Byrne
EVENT LANGUAGES: English, Gaelic, Italian
FREE ENTRANCE – In collaboration with I. I. S. Enea Silvio Piccolomini
📅 Saturday May 24
6 P.M.
Sator Print Siena, Via Stalloreggi 20
A Reading by Luke Kennard and Nicole Sealey
EVENT LANGUAGE: English
FREE ENTRANCE – In collaboration with Sator Print
📅 Sunday May 25
11 A. M.
Hotel Palazzo Ravizza, Pian dei Mantellini, 34
Translation Panel with Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha, Carmen Gallo, John Murillo, and Will Schutt, with discussion
EVENT LANGUAGE: English
FREE ENTRANCE
A Festival Rooted in Community
Policromia is dedicated to building a vibrant international literary community. Through shared readings, hands-on workshops, and open discussions, the festival promotes cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration.
Whether you’re a poetry enthusiast, a practicing writer, or simply curious about translation and creative language, Policromia offers something inspiring for everyone.
Policromia Poetry Festival video
For further questions, please contact policromia.siena@gmail.com
