The Academy of American Poets supports American poets and fosters the appreciation of contemporary poetry by producing Poets.org, Poem-a-Day, National Poetry Month, American Poets magazine for members, and a wide-range of Materials for Teachers. In addition, the organization curates an annual fall conversation series between poets and artists in other disciplines; the Blaney lecture on contemporary poetry and poetics; Poetry & the Creative Mind, a reading at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall; events that feature the poets who serve as Chancellors of the Academy of American Poets; and by administering the American Poets Prizes, a suite of major awards that range from a first-book prize to a lifetime-achievement award, nearly two hundred College Prizes at schools across the country, and the Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowships, providing $1 million to poets annually who serve in civic positions.
Programs
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| American Poets Prizes | Since 1934, the Academy of American Poets has awarded more money to poets than any other organization. |
| Fall Conversation Series | Each fall, the Academy of American Poets presents a free series of conversations exploring how different art forms engage with poetry. These conversations pair some of today’s most intriguing poets with accomplished artists, dancers, chefs, and actors. |
| National Poem in Your Pocket Day | In 2002, as part of New York City's National Poetry Month celebration, the Office of the Mayor, in partnership with the New York City Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education, initiated Poem in Your Pocket Day, a time for New York City residents to select a poem, carry it with them, and share it with others throughout the day. |
| National Poetry Month | Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets throughout the United States band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events. |
| Poem-a-Day | Poem-a-Day is the original and only daily digital poetry series featuring over 200 new, previously unpublished poems by today's talented poets each year. On weekdays, poems are accompanied by exclusive commentary by the poets, and several featured poems have been chosen for inclusion in the Best American Poetry Series. The series highlights classic poems on weekends. |
| Poets Forum/Chancellor Events | We were pleased to present the esteemed poets who serve on the Academy of American Poets Board of Chancellors for a reading in New York City on October 26, 2023, in partnership with First Year Writing at The New School’s Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts. |
| The Blaney Lecture | The Blaney Lecture on contemporary poetry and poetics is offered annually by a prominent poet. Past lectures have been given by Elizabeth Alexander, Richard Blanco, Anne Carson, Carolyn Forché, Joy Harjo, Terrance Hayes, Susan Howe, Adrian Matejka, Sharon Olds, Alicia Ostriker, Claudia Rankine, Paisley Rekdal, and Patricia Smith. |