Public Poetry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces free poetry programming in Houston, TX. Its tagline is “Taking Poetry Public.” The organization’s programming spans public readings, workshops, literary contests, and discussion groups, taking place in varying locations throughout Houston. [1]
History & Programming
editPublic Poetry was launched in 2011 by Fran Sanders, a nonprofit administrator. Previously, Sanders programmed and produced The Poets’ Corner audio recordings for the visually impaired.
In Spring 2011, Fran Sanders and Public Poetry collaborated with the Houston Public Library system in order to establish the organization’s Library Reading Series. The inaugural reading in April 2011 signaled the beginning of Public Poetry as an organization. The Series’ inaugural reading, held at the Central Library in April 2011, signaled the beginning of Public Poetry as an organization and was attended by Houston Mayor, Annise Parker, who read one of her own poems. To date, the reading series has featured 105 writers, including three Texas Poets Laureate: Paul Ruffin (2009), David M. Parsons (2011), and Jan Seale (2012).
In addition to featuring four or five established poets per reading, Public Poetry also shocases a student poet selected by Writers In The Schools.
In 2013, Public Poetry launched the special event Public Poetry Presents, an annual showcase of nationally and internationally renowned poets. The event was inaugurated on January 12, 2013 and featured the writers Fady Joudah and Katherine Larson.
Public Poetry has also partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts Houston to create an event celebrating the 2014 National Poetry Month on the museum grounds. "The Game" was a month-long online treasure hunt, with clues to four “treasures” in the museum’s collection provided by poets and museum staff. Winners received prizes from both the MFAH & Public Poetry.
From the organization’s outset, Public Poetry has maintained an ongoing online audio recording archive of notable local, regional and visiting poets reading their poems, Audible Activity
Board of Directors
editPresident - Lelia Rodgers
Vice-President - Dom Zuccone
Secretary - Wes Kinsey
Treasurer - Lucy Lunt, CPA
Founding Director - Fran Sanders
Recognition
edit2014 Poets & Writers Grant Award
2013
Houston Arts Alliance - City's Initiative Program 2013 Grant Award [2]
Poets & Writers Grant Award
2011
Houston Press – “Best Reading Series” – 2011[3]
[4]
Poets & Writers Grant Award
References
edit- ^ "Public Poetry". http://publicpoetry.net. Wordpress. Retrieved 08/03/2014.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); External link in|website= - ^ "Houston Arts Alliance" (PDF). http://www.houstonartsalliance.com. Retrieved 08/03/14.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); External link in|website= - ^ [http://www.houstonpress.com/bestof/2011/award/best-reading-series-
2674550/ "Houston Press"]. http://www.houstonpress.com. Retrieved 08/03/14.
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