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The Poetry Foundation Celebrates National Poetry Month

April is a special time for poetry enthusiasts as it marks National Poetry Month. The Poetry Foundation, dedicated to promoting poetry and honoring poets, is ready to engage the public through an array of exciting activities throughout this month. Their goal is to encourage individuals to create, experience, and share poetry in various forms.

Expanding Access Through New Video Series

This year, The Poetry Foundation is launching a new video series titled "Where I Write," providing a unique window into the creative processes of poets, musicians, and other artists. The initial installment features Erika L. Sánchez, the acclaimed author of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, as she offers a tour of her attic studio in Chicago. Future episodes promise to showcase the inspirations and spaces that fuel artistic creation. Viewers can watch these videos on the Foundation’s website, YouTube, and across their social media platforms.

Poetry Magazine's April Issue

In a wonderful tribute to new talent, the April 2026 edition of Poetry Magazine will spotlight writers celebrating their debut in this prestigious literary publication. Notable contributors include Garth Greenwell, the recipient of the PEN/Faulkner Award, renowned photographer and author Golden, and Emily Skaja, who has won the Walt Whitman Award. This issue will be available for free download on the Poetry Magazine App throughout April, making it easily accessible to poetry lovers everywhere.

Additionally, subscribers to the magazine during April will receive a limited-edition notebook, allowing them to jot down their own poetic thoughts and reflections. An exciting feature, the second season of Wake, Butterfly will also launch in April through the Poetry Magazine Podcast feed. Esteemed poets including Marie Howe, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Maggie Nelson will contribute writing prompts to inspire listeners and foster creative expression.

Engaging Public Programs

The Poetry Foundation is inviting everyone to partake in a variety of free public events throughout April, both in-person at their Chicago headquarters and via livestream. Notable events include:

• - April 2: CAConrad, a recipient of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, will debut a new design series called Bold Type, featuring their poem "First Light.” Accompanied by fellow poets Rickey Laurentiis, Jake Skeets, and S. Yarberry, this event will showcase the beautiful intersection of poetry and visual art.
• - April 23: The acclaimed poet Patricia Smith will return to the Poetry Foundation to read from her latest collection, The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems, alongside talented writers Ashley M. Jones, Donika Kelly, and Aimee Nezhukumatathil.

The programming for this year's National Poetry Month embodies the belief that poetry transcends traditional boundaries, thriving within communal experiences and daily interactions. Throughout April, audiences can anticipate weekly insights shared in the Poetry Foundation Newsletter, curated by poet and director of O, Miami, P. Scott Cunningham.

The Mission of The Poetry Foundation

At its core, The Poetry Foundation is committed to transforming lives through the power of poetry. Their ongoing efforts focus on amplifying artistic voices and nurturing spaces where people can create, experience, and share poetry. By engaging with various platforms and events, the Foundation aims to make poetry accessible and relevant to all. Don't miss out on connecting with this incredible art form.

For the latest updates and detailed information about the Poetry Foundation's offerings, be sure to follow them across their social media channels such as Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.