If you are a poet in Northeast Ohio, we welcome your application to perform in the Heights Arts EKPHRASTACY Series.

About Ekphrastacy

The Ekphrastacy literary program is a series of artist talks + poetry readings held regularly in the Heights Arts gallery, in conjunction with our special exhibitions. Cleveland-area writers are invited by the current Poet Laureate to view the installed artworks and respond with a poem. Four weeks after the exhibition opens, the artists talk about their work and the poets read their poems, often resulting in a surprising dialogue. Participating poets receive an honorarium of $150.00 for their participation and the commissioning of a minimum of two and no more than five works.

Application Process

If you have performed on an Ekphrastacy in the last two years, we kindly ask you wait to apply so we can share this opportunity with as many poets as possible.  Please share with your network of colleagues!

Poets must:

• Be available and agree to attend the corresponding opening for the event in which they are chosen to participate.
• Submit titles of poems 3 weeks  prior to the Ekphrastacy event. Complete and submit final drafts of poems at least 2 weeks prior to the Ekphrastacy event. The Poet Laureate will work directly with you to curate the poems.

Please be prepared to:

1. Attach a sample of your work, with a minimum of 3 poems and no more than 3 pages of poetry in a single file.

2. Document your background and experience in the art form. If your work has been published, please tell us where, and / or where you have previously performed.

3. Describe how you have been involved in other community arts events, if applicable

4. Provide promotional materials including a headshot and bio about yourself. Should you be selected, you will be asked to help promote your program by connecting and interacting with Heights Arts on social media.

• IMPORTANT: the Team cannot evaluate your submission if you do not provide links / examples of your work.
• Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Heights Writes Community Team will review applications twice each year. Applications submitted after the deadline(s) will be considered for the next application period.
  • The deadline to be considered for our July and September events is May 31.
  • The deadline to be considered for our February and April events is October 31.

Heights Arts cultivates a strong, collaborative arts community by inspiring people of all ages to engage in the arts; providing exhibition and performance opportunities; and fostering public appreciation for the arts.

Our Values:
• Excellence in programs and services to the community
• Be welcoming to people of all walks of life
• Collaborate with others to serve the community in depth
• Commit to financial and environmental sustainability
• Affirm the intrinsic value of the arts to human society

Heights Poet Laureate:

Michelle R. Smith

Photo By: Jef Janis

For all inquiries and booking opportunities for the Heights Poet Laureate, apply below.