Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong
Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong
Poet John Giorno (American, 1936–2019) initiated Dial-A-Poem in 1969 to bring poetry into everyday life. Believing that ‘much poetry is intended to be heard, not merely read’, he invited writers, artists, and musicians to contribute works that anyone could access by dialing a hotline. The project later evolved into a gallery installation of telephone sculptures, allowing visitors to listen to randomly selected readings.
In recent years, the project has expanded internationally. Versions developed in France, Mexico, and Brazil showcase works by local makers in their own languages. Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong features newly recorded readings in the original language (Cantonese, English, and Mandarin) by thirty local poets.
The poems are played randomly from the archive in their original languages. You are invited to enjoy the sounds and rhythms of the words, even if you do not understand the language of a poem. Simply dial again to hear another poem.
You can explore this online or call +852 3009-9386 from your phone.
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
Installation view of Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong, 2026. Photo: Lok Cheng © M+, Hong Kong
John Giorno with Dial-A-Poem, 1970. Photo: Gianfranco Mantegna. Image courtesy of the Giorno Poetry Systems Archive
Visitors at The Museum of Modern Art listening to Dial-A-Poem, 1970. Image courtesy of the Giorno Poetry Systems Archive
Further Reading
Related Programme
Dial-A-Poem Hong Kong is co-curated by Russell Storer, Senior Curator and Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Jacqueline Leung, Editor, supported by Christine Lee, Assistant Curator, M+, and Or Ka Uen, Associate Editor, M+. It was on view in Focus Gallery, L2 from 25 April to 30 August 2026. Visitors could listen to the poems via the telephone sculptures in the Focus Gallery.
Image at top: Dial-A-Poem, Push Button Edition Phone, 2019. Image courtesy of the Giorno Poetry Systems Archive