What is this project about?
GREAT CITIES all over the world are bringing poetry to the lives their citizens each and every day, enriching a mundane commute and passing along art to the betterment of communities.
We think Austin should do the same.
On buses in Vancouver and New York, on the London tube, even all over Iowa City, people have a chance every day to engage with poems on their way to work or school, or on their evening jog.
Why should we bother?
Poetry is important; it helps us interpret and understand our community. It makes us think, transports us, and brings us closer to one another as citizens.
What will it look like?
It’s gonna start small. We’re looking for businesses to volunteer a wall or public space to have poetry publicly displayed. It will be professionally painted (we hope), perhaps even artistically.
Whose poems will you use?
Yours. Well, if you send one to us.
We want poems about this city. Other cities have chosen to use some of the most classic poets in the world to fill their project. That’s a fine idea, but we want to do something different. We want to hear from Austin’s poets, famous and unknown, people who have experienced this city, who offer Austinites an insight on our lives and place.
Who can submit a poem?
Anyone who’s been affected by our city. See “Send Us Your Poems” for more info.
Who’s running this project?
Right now, just me, Luke Quinton. I’m working on partners who want to review and advocate their favorite poems, and businesses or organizations who want to support art in our city.
NEXT: “Get Involved”
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