Poetry & the Creative Mind is poetry’s biggest night in–and this year’s celebration of poetry's important place in our culture promises to be one that is not to be missed.

Join us for this signature reading, fundraiser, and closing celebration of National Poetry Month on the Academy’s ninetieth anniversary, featuring leading and legendary actors, artists, dancers, musicians, chefs, and other notable public figures sharing poems with viewers from small towns and big cities throughout the United States and the world.

Hosted by

Jericho Brown, Academy of American Poets Chancellor

Featured readers this year include: Grammy-winning classical pianist Emanuel Ax, award-winning filmmaker Sterlin Harjo, Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Tony KushnerNational Humanities Medal recipient Anna Deavere Smith, and Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streepamong others. 

Poetry & the Creative Mind raises funds in support of the Academy of American Poets education programs, which serve over 100,000 K–12 students each year.

The event is free, but please consider a donation in support of this work. Donors making a contribution of $59 and up will receive our exclusive Read More Poems tote bag.

Click the button to register

Producers Circle donors contribute at a higher level to the event in support of the Academy and receive special benefits in thanks.

Click to join the producers circle

Poetry & the Creative Mind supports the Academy’s free educational programs serving over 40,000 K-12 teachers, providing resources, professional development opportunities, and even free books for kids!

Access to literature matters more than ever. Be part of a global event championing the power words.

Since the event began in 2003, readers have included, among others, Uzo Aduba, Willem Dafoe, Claire Danes, Ethan Hawke, Terrance Howard, Bill T. Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Liam Neeson, Susan-Lori Parks, Paul Simon, Patti Smith, Uma Thurman, Dianne Wiest, Carrie Mae Weems, Malala Yousafzai, as well as frequent Honorary Event Co-chair Meryl Streep.