Through live programming, workshops, publications, website, and special events, The Poetry Project promotes, fosters, and inspires the reading and writing of contemporary poetry by:

• presenting contemporary poetry to diverse audiences
• increasing public recognition, awareness, and appreciation of poetry and other arts
• providing a community setting in which poets and artists can exchange ideas and information
• encouraging the participation and development of new poets from a broad range of styles

Founded in 1966 and currently led by Executive Director Nicole Wallace, The Poetry Project has expanded access to literature, education, and opportunities for sharing one’s creative work in a counter-hierarchical, radically open space and community. Premised on the vision that cultural action at the local level can inspire broader shifts in public consciousness, The Poetry Project is committed to developing and collaborating on replicable program models that challenge persistent social narratives, especially through the verbal reframing made possible in poetry. They do this work through a combination of live readings, performances, lectures, events, and workshops, in addition to literary and critical publications and emerging writers and curatorial fellowship programs. Their programming seeks to challenge traditional power structures by upholding a more circular vision of cultural participation between writer, artist, listener, reader, critic, teacher, and student.

Jerome Foundation supports The Poetry Project’s Emerge-Surface-Be Fellowship program. Serving early career New York City-based poets, writers, and performing artists, Emerge-Surface-Be supports five fellows and mentors to work together over nine months. Managed by Program Director, Mirene Arsanios, the ESB program nurtures, centers, and uplifts the work of NYC-based emerging writers. Fellows develop their own specific set of goals to pursue over the course of the program while each fellow receives an honorarium; monthly meetings; publishing opportunities in the The Poetry Project’s quarterly Newsletter; and public reading opportunities including an invitation to read at its Annual New Year’s Day Marathon and a 30-minute reading as part of its high-profile Monday Reading Series.