New York, NY (July 17, 2014) Each fall, poets and poetry lovers unite in New York City for a three-day celebration of poetry called Poets Forum. Organized by the Academy of American Poets, the eighty-year-old nonprofit that produces Poets.org and National Poetry Month, Poets Forum explores the ever-changing landscape of contemporary poetry in the United States through in-depth discussions with some of the most distinguished poets of our day, poetry readings, lectures, receptions, and more. The eighth annual Poets Forum will be held from October 16 to 18, 2014, on the campuses of New York University and The New School.  

This year’s highlights include a lecture by President Obama’s inaugural poet, Richard Blanco; a discussion of endangered languages and texts with Bowery Poetry Club founder, Bob Holman; a panel with small press experts providing publishing advice; and a special reception celebrating the Academy of American Poets’ eightieth anniversary.

From the kick-off—a dynamic reading by the Academy of American Poets Chancellors (including Edward Hirsch, Jane Hirshfield, and Naomi Shihab Nye)—until the closing—the American Poets Magazine Publication Party—Poets Forum is an inspiring weekend for poets and poetry readers.          

For the full lineup of poets and events, please visit Poets.org/poetsforum.             

Poets Forum is cosponsored by The New School Creative Writing Program and The New York University Creative Writing Program. It is also made possible, in part, by support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts.  Audio clips, video clips, and photographs from previous Poets Forums are available upon request. Interview opportunities are also available.

About the Academy of American Poets

Now in its eightieth year, the Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. For over three generations, the Academy has connected millions of people to great poetry through programs such as Poets.org, the Academy’s popular website; National Poetry Month, the largest literary celebration in the world; American Poets magazine; and an annual series of poetry readings and special events. In addition, since its founding in 1934, the Academy has awarded more money to poets than any other organization through its Academy of American Poets Prizes. For more information, visit Poets.org.