Poetry & the Creative Mind — Virtual Gala Supporting National Poetry Month

Poetry & the Creative Mind is presented by the Academy of American Poets, the nation's leading organization championing poets and poetry. This special event celebrates poetry's important place in our culture and its impact on the lives of readers, and National Poetry Month. 

For the first time, in 2021, Poetry & the Creative Mind will be presented free and virtually as an exclusive broadcast for one night only. 

The gala reading will feature performances of favorite poems by distinguished guests, including:

Meryl Streep, Event Chair

with

Elizabeth Alexander, Master of Ceremonies

Lauren Ambrose

John Darnielle

Terrance Hayes

Regina King

Delroy Lindo

Samin Nosrat

Sandra Oh

Jason Reynolds

Sarah Sze

with special appearances by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo and the Academy of American Poets Education Ambassador Richard Blanco.

Jonathan Galassi, President of Farrar, Straus & Giroux, will be presented with the 2021 Leadership Award in recognition of his important role in launching National Poetry Month and as a champion of poetry in the field of publishing.

Closed captioning will be available.

Free to attend, Poetry & the Creative Mind is a gala fundraiser to support the Academy of American Poets Education Program and materials for teachers. Please consider making a contribution during registration, if you're able, or at poets.org.

Don't miss the live broadcast!