Wanted: Phoenikera Poets for Public Art Project
If you think the world should hear or read the poetry you’ve locked away and only your friends stoically listen to, this is your chance.
You have a little less than 10 days to scribble some cool ish and submit it for the poetry contest organized by La Phoenikera’s Poet Laureate, Rosemarie Dombrowski and the City of Phoenix, through its Reimagine Program, which aims to recycle at least 40 percent of the trash going into landfills by the year 2020.
What are you writing about?
Sustainability with a focus on the balance between urban development and the natural resources of the region. To be selected you must write something that inspires people to care about the environment and optimize our resources.
Don’t write a friggin’ epic poem
All submitted material can be in English or Spanish and will not exceed the 50-word count. It’s actually a bit more chunky than a haiku. And Don’t even think about using rhymes, they’ll burn your poem and mail you the ashes, avoid them at all costs. Beyond those guidelines, you can pretty much write whatever the hell you want, judges are interested in styles that range from narrative to lyrical or imagistic. They are though, particularly curious about unexpected styles or forms such as prose poetry, micro-sequences, and inventive concepts/themes.
Are you too old/young to participate?
There are several categories to choose from but essentially you have to be over 18 to enter the contest. You can participate in the 18-25; 25-55 or 55 and up categories.
Cool, but how does it work?
So basically six entries (two from each category) will be chosen to be exhibited as a public art project in the Melrose District between 7th Avenue & Glenrosa. If your poem gets selected, it will be designed for display with visual art inside illuminated panels along the sidewalk. These panels will create a street book that everyone can read.
Oh yeah, forgot to mention that there are $750 bones in reward for the few who get selected, so don’t say there are no incentives.
When will the project be unveiled?
The project will be presented to the public in April in observance of National Poetry Month with a ceremony that recognizes the poets and the chosen pieces.
Where do I submit?
Send your no-longer-than-50-words poem in PDF format to phxpoetrysubmissions@gmail.com with the subject line “Poetry Pannels Submission.” You have until January 19th at 11:59 p.m. to submit your no-rhyme vibes.
