Background Information
Poetry month, or National Poetry Month, is held each year in April throughout the United States. The event was created in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, a leading national organization committed to advancing American poetry. Each year, the Academy of American Poets encourages people of all ages and from all walks of life to discover and celebrate poetry by reading and writing it. Poetry Month comes as a response to evidence which suggests that people in the U.S. are either not well-versed in poetry or are not exposed to or educated about poetry.
Important Stats and Figures
Since its inception, the campaign has resulted in many schools and libraries across the United States participating in the celebration. The event continues to grow in popularity, with close to 12 million people taking part in Poetry Month in 2017. Schools, libraries, and bookstores nationwide use Poetry Month as an opportunity to hold poetry readings, encourage poetry contests and write original works of verse.
Insights and Analysis
Though Poetry Month takes place each April, many people find themselves inspired to write or discover more poems throughout the year. Reading and writing poetry is beneficial both to those who are new to the craft and those who have been writing and studying it for years. It improves mental flexibility, stimulates creative thinking and enhances communication skills. Poetry also engages the emotions and builds a connection between the writer and their readers or audience, as a poem can be written in response to or celebration of, certain situations or events.
Experts’ Perspectives
Experts agree that although awareness of Poetry Month is robust, there is still room for improvement. Many have noted that having an entire month devoted to poetry affords people the time and opportunity to be exposed to poetry and reconnect with it. It also demonstrates the importance of poetry and its power to bring about imaginative thinking and helps communities create an environment where poetry can thrive. Thus, the hope is to normalize poetry in everyday conversations and make it something that people are comfortable discussing and something that isn’t merely a passing trend.
Public Opinion and Reception
The reception of Poetry Month varies by region and community. However, a majority of Americans are in favor of the event and even those who are not fans of the craft have expressed appreciation for the event’s purpose and efforts. In addition to the public, politicians have also expressed strong support, with many releasing statements of appreciation for the importance and power of poetry in the national dialogue.
Education and Engagement
In an effort to help individuals strengthen their understanding, engagement and love for poetry, Poetry Month events are held around the world. During the month, many publishers release new anthologies and collections of poetry, and readings and workshops are held at libraries, schools and universities. Additionally, Poetry Month challenges people to create and recite original works, and encourages studens to submit their poems to journals and magazines so that glimpses of emerging talent can be shared. Many writers take to the streets and host public readings to give people the opportunity to experience and interact with poems in person.
Benefits of Celebrating Poetry Month
Poetry Month provides people with an opportunity to engage with poetry, whether it’s through reading and enjoying established works, writing their own works of verse, participating in competitive poetry slams, or attending readings and workshops. These opportunities help to develop appreciation for poetry and how it can be used to comment on important societal issues, to express emotions, and to capture moments in a creative and lyrical way.
Public Recognition and Support
In collaboration with Poetry Month, many radio stations throughout the nation host live readings and showcases of prose and enjoy the success of the event each year. The Academy of American Poets publishes books of poems and encourages readers to submit original works to have them published in the popular annual The American Poetry Review. In addition to these methods of celebrating Poetry Month, presentations and discussions are held at museums, conferences, and other events to ensure that the public is aware of the celebration and its importance.
Creating an Appreciation for Poetry
Poetry Month raises awareness about the art of poetry and creates awareness of the need for poetry to be taught in school and become a part of our daily conversations. Through poetry, individuals can discover different cultures, gain knowledge of both human and global affairs, and explore different topics and ideas. Celebrating Poetry Month makes a significant contribution to the appreciation of poetry and helps to instill a sense of national pride in the art form.
Encouraging Diversity in Poetry
Additionally, Poetry Month encourages the sharing of diverse poetic expressions from communities across the United States. Through this, readers come to appreciate the different styles, voices, and cultures of the authors and gain a better understanding of what makes poetry so powerful and meaningful.
Educational and Professional Opportunities
In addition, Poetry Month offers educational and professional opportunities. Attending poetry readings and workshops allows participants to understand the craft in a more meaningful and concentrated way and to gain insight into the creative minds of established poets. Furthermore, Poetry Month provides those interested in pursuing a career in creative writing with a platform to showcase their work to larger audiences and provides them with a chance to make important connections within the industry.
