"Something attempted, something done": Celebrating National Poetry Month

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Vote for your next Poet Populist here!


“Arts move through boundaries that might otherwise be obstacles.” – Jason Weeks, Executive Director, Cambridge Arts Council

In honor of National Poetry Month, c4c spoke with the Cambridge Arts Council about the variety of programs supporting literary arts in the city. CAC holds a unique position in the arts community through its dual role as both a department within the municipal structure of the city, and a nonprofit organization. This combination emphasizes the interplay of civic responsibility both to the citizens of Cambridge and as an independent advocate of the arts. A close connection with city government also enables CAC to incorporate public art into the urban landscape in a meaningful and accessible way, driving home the point of art as everyday life in Cambridge.

Central to CAC’s commitment to encouraging visibility for the non-visual arts is the Poet Populist program, conceived in 2007. Inspired by Seattle’s Poet Populist Project, the program seeks to “establish a dialogue between the poet and the people of Cambridge.” A selection committee narrows public nominations to a diverse pool of candidates, who campaign by presenting their work at readings throughout the city. Cantabrigians People’s-Republic-wide then submit their votes and eagerly await the inauguration “ceremony” at the Cambridge River Festival in June.

The Poet Populist program aims to illustrate the city’s historical connections with poetry and to celebrate the depth and scope of the literary arts in Cambridge – in other words, to treat poetry and poets with the respect they deserve. In contrast to a traditional Poet Laureate appointment, a Poet Populist encourages personal connection and implies the accreditation of the poet by the people. The Poet Populist serves as the city’s “chief liaison for poetry,” connecting citizens to the art form and ultimately leaving a legacy imprint on the program itself (see Peter Payack’s scavenger hunt and poetry cookies, or his community poem On the River).

CAC emphasizes the vivacious literary scene in Cambridge, which includes open mic nights, poetry readings, and discussion groups. Executive Director Jason Weeks points out that April’s Cambridge Poetry Festival marks the launch of a nonstop celebration of the arts running from spring through summer: stay tuned for Cambridge Open Studios in May, June’s Cambridge River Festival, and the Summer in the City series that runs through July and August. Most importantly, Jason encourages the citizens of Cambridge to be engaged with public art, to be in touch with CAC, and to rock the vote for your next Poet Populist – polling closes on Friday.