UG Poet-in-residence
In 2000, the University of Groningen became the first university in the Netherlands to appoint a poet-in-residence. No other higher education institution in the Netherlands at that time had a comparable honorary position. In the two decades since then, many universities have followed Groningen’s example.
Activities of the Poet-in-residence
Every student at the University of Groningen can apply for the position of poet-in-residence by submitting five poems and a letter of motivation. A professional jury selects the poet-in-residence each year. The poet-in-residence then starts off their year by reading the winning poem aloud during the opening of the academic year. During the academic year, the poet-in-residence writes a poem a month that is published on the University website. Students of the Academy of Arts, Minerva make an animation with each poem. The poet-in-residence also performs on numerous occasions. At the end of the year, the poet-in-residence says farewell with a final project and naturally a collection of the poetic results of the year.
Poet-in-residence 2024-2025: Hannan van Rooij
This year’s resident poet at the University of Groningen (RUG) is Hannan van Rooij. Hannan writes poetry about student life, the city and everything in between.
Hannan van Rooij (24) is a performance poet living on the outskirts of the city of Groningen. With a bagful of studies in nursing, ethics, religion and culture under her arm, she now walks the streets attempting to turn everyday things into poetry. She creates her own work, including as the neighbourhood poet for Vinkhuizen and the resident poet at the University of Groningen, and is regularly commissioned for bespoke texts, summarising poetry during events, or other poetic and artistic initiatives.
What does the resident poet do?
The resident poet brings poetry to life within the university. Hannan regularly writes new poems. In addition, Hannan is involved in workshops at Usva, so that students can also get to grips with language and creativity themselves.
List of previous poets-in-residence and collections
2024-2025: Femke de Heer
2023-2024: Ruth Ruijgers, poems
2022-2023: Yfke Bethlehem, poems
2021-2022: Laura van Meijeren, poems
2020-2021: Olivier van Eijk, poems
2019-2020: Willem Wierbos, poems
2018-2019: Sofia Manouki, poems
2017-2018: Rachel Raezter, Boven in de boom: poems
2016-2017: Esmé van den Boom, poems
2015-2016: Philip Rozema, Te Ruime Ruimte
2014-2015: Jeptha de Visser, Verschijnselen
2013-2014: Lilian Zielstra, Specimen
2012-2013: Pauline Sparreboom, Oceaankorrels
2011-2012: Jet Langerak, Roes
2010-2011: Joost Oomen, Vliegenierswonden
2009-2010: Sacha Landkroon, IKS
2008-2009: Machteld Brands, Drift
2007-2008: Menno de Block, Zoetwaterwoorden
2006-2007: Ruth Koops van ’t Jagt, Juttersgeluk
2005-2006: Jurre van den Berg, Avondkikkers
2004-2005: Veerle Vroon, Kortsluiting
2003-2004: Annelieke van Mens, S1005049
2002-2003: Guido van der Wolk, Klinkende Klanken
2001-2002: Gertjan Laan, Badans
2000-2001: Daniel Dee en Petra Else Jekel, Dubbelblind