Spatial Poetry

Welcome to PLIX Spatial Poetry! This activity combines the expressive flexibility of poetic language and local data research skills to encourage a re-imagination of maps and renewed understanding of place.

Poems have historically influenced many of the place names we know today. Many contemporary poets rethink the ties between language, place and belonging. This activity highlights issues of place-naming in America, particularly its historical ties to colonization, and possibly connect participants with local renaming campaigns or future naming initiatives where they live. It draws on current topics in geography, poetry, and journalism, and media-making.