On January 28, National Poetry Day, Merk Fryslân and Leeuwarden UNESCO City of Literature in Leeuwarden launched the joint project “Wjerspegelje” (reflections). In Hotel Post-Plaza the latest poem by Poet fan Fryslân Nyk de Vries was unveiled, which is part of this. “Wjerspegelje” uses the mandatory 20-second hand-washing moment to give Frisian poets a new stage.

Martin Cnossen, director of Visit Fryslân, got inspiration for the project in Zwolle: “I saw the project from Ivar van Veen there, in which poems were applied to mirrors in restaurants, cafes and hotels. In this way, you support the hospitality sector ánd have a cultural offer for visitors. I thought it would be nice to add two aspects: offering a new platform for Frisian poets and making the Frisian language more visible.” Merk Fryslân sought cooperation with Leeuwarden City of Literature. Ernst Bruinsma, director: “We ask poets if they would like to write one or two poems – as a paid assignment – especially for this project. It produces enthusiastic responses and beautiful poems. The first fourteen are now visible. In the coming months that will be expanded to a total of fifty poems.” A Dutch translation is made of all Frisian poems. If you scan the QR code next to a poem, you will find this Dutch translation.

“Warm heart”

The province of Fryslân has been involved from the idea phase and contributes financially. Deputy Sietske Poepjes: “These are tough times. Washing your hands is always a good idea and if you can also read a Frisian poem in the meantime, you will get a warm heart and clean hands!” In consultation with the province, it has been decided not to request a contribution from the participating companies, especially at this time. The total costs are financed through a subsidy from the province and the budgets of Merk Fryslân. A large part of the budget goes to the poets and translators.

Expansion of the rest of the province

The first poems are now visible to guests at eight overnight locations in Leeuwarden. In addition to Hotel Grand-Café Post-Plaza, these are Hotel ‘t Anker, Oranje Hotel, Notiz Hotel, WestCord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden, Hotel Campanile, Boutique Hotel Catshuis and Ster Boutique B&B. The project will be expanded in the near future to other (catering) locations in the rest of the province.

“Wjerspegelje” fits well with Visit Fryslân, because it is important to let visitors to the hospitality sector in Fryslân come into contact with the Fryske language. It also ties in seamlessly with the goal of Leeuwarden UNESCO City of Literature to make literature as visible and accessible as possible.

Introduction movie: Hatogkrøller, specials tanks to poet Arjan Hut
Pictures: Lucas Kemper