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Iowa City’s writers and artists are once again being called upon to celebrate our City’s rich literary culture and history by submitting works for this year’s Poetry in Public, now in its eighth year. Last year, Iowa City was named a UNESCO “City of Literature” — one of only three in the world — and the City’s Poetry in Public Project seeks to encourage writers and foster continued interest in creative writing and the art of the written word.
Poetry in Public Art, a new element introduced last year, will continue in 2010, seeking entries of two-dimensional works from visual artists inspired by one of this year’s selected poems.
Both Poetry in Public and Poetry in Public Art are sponsored by the City’s Public Art Program.
WHO CAN ENTER?
Anyone who’s a resident of Johnson County. Applicants can be of any age and any skill level, from elementary school students to retirees, published poets to casual writers, and professional artists to people who just like to draw. And there’s no participation fee!
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
For Poetry in Public entries:
- Only one poem per person. Remember to keep a copy of your poem for yourself, as entries will not be returned.
- The poem must be 7 lines or less (not including the title).
- Poets should avoid using complex formats, layouts, and /or typefaces.
- All poems must be suitable for public display and for readers of all ages.
- For a full list of Poetry in Public Project requirements, visit www.icgov.org/pip.
For Poetry in Public Art entries:
Because art entries cannot be submitted until poems are selected, rules for this project will be announced later, along with the selected poems. It is expected that full details of the project will be available on the City’s website at www.icgov.org/pipart no later than February 26, 2010.
HOW DO I PARTICIPATE?
For Poetry in Public entries:
To submit an entry, mail or drop off your poem and a copy of the Poetry in Public 2010 Submission Form (www.icgov.org/pip) to City Hall:
City Hall
Attn: Poetry in Public
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
or e-mail entries to: marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org
For Poetry in Public Art entries:
Submission guidelines for the Poetry in Public Art Project will be announced no later than February 26, 2010 at www.icgov.org/pipart.
WHEN’S THE DEADLINE?
All poems must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2010. The deadline for art projects will be announced later.
WHO MAKES THE SELECTIONS?
A panel of judges, including a professional writer, representatives from the City’s Public Library and Public Art Advisory Committee, and selected City staff, will select poems based on the quality of writing and the poem’s suitability for public display before a general audience.
POEMS ON DISPLAY
Selected poems will be on public display from National Poetry Month in April through next fall at the Iowa City Public Library, Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center, and Scanlon Gymnasium / Mercer Park Aquatic Center, as well as in City buses, downtown kiosks, and other public facilities. There is no honorarium, but writers whose works are selected will receive a copy of the poster featuring his or her poem.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the City’s Web site at www.icgov.org/pip or contact Marcia Bollinger in the City’s Public Art Division at 356.5237 or marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org
Originally posted on the City of Iowa City’s Web site, Thursday, December 17, 2009, http://icgov.org/default/?id=1591
