Political Poetry Forum

Posted by on October 22, 2004

Thursday, October 28
Temple University’s Creative Writing Program and Chain Arts Action Political Poetry Forum at Temple University

How can poetry and politics combine? Can poetry lead to concrete political action? How can poetry inhabit public spaces? How can it serve as an effective commentary on the political situation today?
These questions and more will be addressed at this pre election event features multimedia presentations and readings by a number of literary luminaries. Poet Anne Waldman (who with Alan Ginsberg founded the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics) will talk about recent protests and her various community work to “keep the world safe for poetry.” Kristin Prevallet will present the poetry interventions of the Poetry is Public Art (PIPA) group in New York. Poet Alan Gilbert will speak on poetry as cultural activism. Poet Kaia Sand will present the “Southern Maryland Sign Project,” where poetry served as political commentary in suburban sign groves. Tracie Morris, performance poet extraordinaire, and Sarah Riggs, organizer of the Fact Campaign, will also contribute to the mix. Discussion and brainstorming for future poetry actions will conclude the forum session.
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Temple University Center City Campus, 15th and Market, room 222
Access: Free and open to the public.
Contact: Jena Osman, Director of Creative Writing, 215-204-3014